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Definition

noun, singular: renal calyx

Funnel-shaped structures permitting the flow of the urine from the ducts of the renal pyramids to the renal pelvis

Supplement

Renal calyses are of two types:

• minor calyses - funnel-shaped structures surrounding one or more renal papillae
• major calyses - funnel-shaped structures formed by the converging of two or more minor calyses

When two or more major calyses combine, the renal pelvis is formed.
Thus, the diagrammatic flow of urine from the ducts to the renal pelvis is as follows:
papillary ducts (of renal papillae) → minor calyses → major calyses → renal pelvis

Also called:

• kidney calices