Gross Anatomical Studies on the Kidneys of Clouded Leopard

Abstract

The present study was conducted on the kidneys of one female clouded leopard. The kidneys were covered by a thick layer of connective tissue capsule. The right kidney was placed slightly cranial to the left kidney and most of the morphometrical parameters were higher in the right kidney. Both the surfaces of the kidneys showed prominent grooves which were occupied by the arborising subcapsular veins. Longitudinal section through hilus from pole to pole showed a granular pale cortex with prominent medullary rays and a striated darker medulla. The renal crest was moulded over the renal pelvis. The central cavity of renal pelvis was funnel shaped and its margin showed a central concavity and two peripheral convexities. The medullary recesses were occupied by the pseudopapillae. The interlobar vessels were seen on the renal columns and arcuate vessels were seen on the corticomedullary junctions.