A standard nomenclature for structures of the kidney. The Renal Commission of the International Union of Physiological Sciences (IUPS)

This proposal for a 'Standard nomenclature for structures of the kidney' was prepared at the request of the Renal Commission of the International Union of Physiological Sciences (IUPS). This nomenclature is in English. Many anatomists are of the opinion that the terms should be in Latin rather than in English. The authors of this proposal point out that English has been chosen because most papers in the area of the kidney research are published in English. Thus, it is hoped that this nomenclature will best meet the actual needs of colleagues who work and publish in this field. Competition with the 'Nomina anatomica' or 'Nomina histologica' is not intended. Terms proposed herein are in agreement with the 'Nomina anatomica', but go far beyond the terms published in 'Nomina histologica'. The authors hope that this proposal will be taken as a basis for further development of the 'Nomina histologica'. It is obvious that our ultimate goal is to establish an internationally accepted nomenclature in Latin as a reference source for translations into any language.