Which structure is the ureter?

• A. Renal pelvis
• B. Ureter
• C. Minor calyces
• D. Major calyces

Answer: (B)

The ureter is a muscular tube that transports urine from the kidney to the bladder, using waves of peristaltic contractions. It begins as a continuation of the renal pelvis, the funnel-like collecting area at the kidney hilum, and travels downward to reach the urinary bladder. The renal pelvis collects urine from the major calyces, which themselves receive urine from the minor calyces that drain the papillae of the renal pyramids. So, while the renal pelvis and calyces are part of the kidney’s collecting system, the ureter is the separate tubular conduit that carries the urine away toward the bladder.