What structure is formed at the superior end of the ureter?

The structure formed at the superior end of the ureter is the renal pelvis. This area serves as the funnel-shaped collecting structure for urine that is drained from the renal calyces, which are the small cup-like regions of the kidney that encase the renal pyramids. Once urine is collected in the renal pelvis, it is transported down the ureter to the bladder for storage.

The renal pelvis is an important anatomical feature as it plays a crucial role in the urinary system. It is situated at the hilum of the kidney, where it transitions into the ureter, ensuring that urine flows away from the kidney efficiently. Understanding the function and location of the renal pelvis is essential for grasping how the urinary system works in concert with other structures within the kidneys.

The other structures listed—renal pyramid, renal cortex, and renal capsule—perform different functions related to kidney structure and function but do not directly connect to the ureter in the manner the renal pelvis does. The renal pyramid is involved in the filtration and collection of urine but is not the structure that connects directly to the ureter. The renal cortex is the outer region of the kidney containing the renal corpuscles and nephron tubules, while the renal capsule is the fibrous covering