The
renal hilum (
Latin:
hilum renale) or
renal pedicle is the of the
kidney, that is, its recessed central fissure where its vessels, nerves and
ureter pass. The medial border of the
kidney is concave in the center and convex toward either extremity; it is directed forward and a little downward. Its central part presents a deep longitudinal fissure, bounded by prominent overhanging anterior and posterior lips. This fissure is a hilum that transmits the vessels, nerves, and
ureter. From anterior to posterior, the renal vein exits, the renal artery enters, and the renal pelvis exits the kidney.