renal cortex renal cortex the renal cortex is the outer portion of the kidney between the renal capsule and the renal medulla. in the adult, it forms a continuous smooth outer zone with a number of projections (cortical columns) that extend down between the pyramids. it contains the renal corpuscles and the renal tubules except for parts of the loop of henle which descend into the renal medulla. it also contains blood vessels and cortical collecting ducts. renal cortexkidney anatomy, with renal cortex labeled at top.1: parenchyma2: cortex3: medulla4: perirenal fat5: capsule6: ureter7: pelvis of kidney8: renal artery and renal vein9: hilus10: calyxdetailssystemurinary systemidentifierslatincortex renalismeshd007672ta98a08.1.01.015ta23368fma15581anatomical terminology the renal cortex is the part of the kidney where ultrafiltration occurs. erythropoietin is produced in the renal cortex. additional images kidney microscopic cross section of the renal cortex cd10 immunohistochemical staining of normal kidney. cd10 stains the proximal convoluted tubules and glomeruli. renal cortex renal cortex