Identify cortex and medulla in a kidney diagram
Locate the outer region and inner pyramidal region.
Exam scope and assessment notes
Extended only (Supplement) · Biology 0970, 2026–2028. Use the stated specimen features and evidence. Diagrams are schematic. Written practice is self-checked; human subject-teacher review, supervised practical competence and cumulative assessment remain pending. Cambridge states that IGCSE 0970 has the same subject content as IGCSE 0610, with 9–1 grading. This StudyForA pathway maps the 2026–2028 syllabus only. This 9–1 graded qualification is available only in a limited number of administrative zones. Confirm that your centre can enter you for this code and exam series with Cambridge International. Cambridge has published a separate syllabus for 2029. StudyForA has not reconciled that version yet; this page supports exams in 2026, 2027 and 2028 only.
Before you begin
- Recall cell metabolism, blood transport, amino acids and the distinction between excretion and egestion.
Work on paper. Try each question before revealing help, and explain why your method works.
Quick readiness check
What does a section view expose?
What you will learn
- Read the section rather than the outside view
- Resolve E and F by position
Identify cortex and medulla in a kidney diagram
| Feature | Meaning |
|---|---|
| E | Cortex: outer kidney tissue region |
| F | Medulla: inner pyramidal region |
| Central collection space | Separate from the two tissue-region labels |
| Scale | Schematic, not a measured thickness |
Read the section rather than the outside view
The cortex is the outer kidney tissue region and the medulla is the inner region shown as pyramidal areas in a typical kidney section. A section cuts through the organ and exposes regions that cannot both be identified from the outer silhouette alone. The thin outer covering is not identical to the entire cortex region.
The original section diagram uses E for the cortex band and F for the medullary pyramidal region. Look at where the leader ends, not where its letter is printed. The space and collection route towards the ureter are additional structures beyond the two required regional labels; do not call an open central collection space the medulla simply because it is inside the kidney.
Resolve E and F by position
Cortex and medulla are regions of a kidney, whereas bladder and ureters are different structures in the whole urinary route. A label for a kidney region does not identify a tube connecting an entire kidney with another organ. The nephron sequence later connects microscopic blood and tubule structures with filtration and reabsorption without requiring every detailed kidney-region boundary.
A simplified section separates the regions for teaching and is not to scale. Tissue colours vary with the image method and illustrator, so position and the stated section evidence are more useful than a universal colour rule. Do not use the diagram to estimate a real tissue thickness, exact nephron count or a medical state without appropriate measurement and specimen evidence.
Pause and explain
Which is the inner kidney region required here?
Worked example
Identify E and F in the original kidney section.
Show the worked solution
- E ends in the outer tissue band.
- F ends in a deeper pyramidal region.
Answer E cortex; F medulla.
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Write your answer and reasoning first. Use a hint only if you are stuck. The model solution is for self-checking; your written work is not automatically marked.
Identify both required kidney regions at E and F.
Give me a hint
Follow each leader endpoint.
Compare my reasoning
- E indicates the outer cortex.
- F indicates an inner medullary pyramid.
E cortex; F medulla.
Look for these in your work
- Identify both regions
- Use leader endpoints
A section is recoloured but keeps the same outer band and inner pyramids. Should their identities change?
Give me a hint
Region position survives recolouring.
Compare my reasoning
- The cortex remains outer tissue.
- The medulla remains the inner pyramidal region.
No; identify cortex and medulla by their position and section evidence rather than a fixed graphic colour.
Look for these in your work
- Keep both positions
- Reject colour-only identification
Correct: the bladder is the inner medulla of a kidney because it is also inside the body.
Give me a hint
Different scales and structures are involved.
Compare my reasoning
- Medulla is an inner kidney tissue region.
- Bladder is a separate organ storing urine.
The medulla is a kidney region; the bladder is a separate urinary storage organ, not part of that kidney region.
Look for these in your work
- Separate region and organ
- Give the bladder role
Common mistakes
- Calling the central collection space medulla.
- Treating the thin covering as the whole cortex.
What can you explain now?
Which is the inner kidney region required here?
Compare with the explanation
Medulla
It includes the inner pyramidal areas in the section.
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Make it stick
Identify cortex and medulla by leader endpoints and regional position.
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