126 STRUCTURE OF THE URETERS. 



In the foetal state the kidney is formed of a number of dis- 

 tinct lobuli, each of which consists of a papilla with the cortical 

 matter connected to its base. Soon after birth these lobuli 

 coalesce ; and in two or three years the substance of the kidney 

 appears uniform, as above described. In some animals this 

 lobulated structure continues during life : in them, and also in 

 the foetus, each lobe appears like a distinct organ. Although 

 in the adult kidney this struature has disappeared, the papilla 

 and the tubular part connected with them are somewhat detach- 

 ed from each other, in a manner corresponding to their original 

 arrangement. 



In the foetus the renal capsule appears very large, when 

 compared with the kidney itself; this fact seems to indicate, 

 that the organ performs some office of much importance in the 

 foetal economy. 



The Nerves of the Kidneys originate from the semilunar gang- 

 lion, formerly mentioned. They form a plexus round the blood- 

 vessels, and go with them into the gland. 



The kidneys have internal and external absorbent vessels, 

 although the external vessels are very small. Tbese absorbents 

 pass through glands in the lumbar region to the thoracic duct. 

 * The proper coat of the kidney is said, by some anatomists, 

 to consist of two lamina ; but this cannot be shown in common 

 cases. It appears simple in its structure, and very flexible. 

 It is but slightly connected to the glandular substance which it 

 encloses, and may be easily peeled off. It is reflected inwards 

 at the fissure of the kidney, and can be traced inwardly to some 

 distance, forming sheaths for the vessels. In this internal 

 situation it is very thin. 



The Ureters. 

 The pelvis of the kidney terminates exteriorly in the Ureter, 



divided into three infundibuli, which are seen in part, in this section ; each in- 

 fundi'bulum is subdivided usually into four calices, of which, of course part 

 only can be seen in this section of the organ. The striated conoidal bodies are 

 seen terminating by their papillae in these calices j and in one calix a papilla 

 is seen perforated by foramina, which are the terminal orifices of the urinifer- 

 ous tubes. Between the rounded bases of the conoidal bodies, and on the peri- 

 phery of the kidney is seen the cortical substance. 



