calix

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.

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calix var of CALYX

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ca·lix (kaґliks) pl. caґlices [L. “drinking cup”] calyx. NOTE: In official anatomical terminology, the preferred term is “calyx,” but the preferred plural is “calices;” see also entries under calyx.