A flower-shaped or funnel-shaped structure; specifically one of the branches or recesses of the pelvis of the kidney into which the orifices of the malpighian renal pyramids project. SYN: calyx. [L. fr. G. kalyx, the cup of a flower]
- major calices the primary subdivisions of the renal pelvis, usually two or three in number. SYN: calices renales majores.
- minor calices the subdivisions of the major calices, varying in number from 7–13, which receive the renal papillae. SYN: calices renales minores.
- calices renales majores SYN: major calices.
- calices renales minores SYN: minor calices.
* * *
calix var of CALYX
* * *
ca·lix (kaґliks) pl. caґlices [L. “drinking cupâ€] calyx. NOTE: In official anatomical terminology, the preferred term is “calyx,†but the preferred plural is “calices;†see also entries under calyx.Medical dictionary. 2011.