On the pathogenesis of simple renal cysts in the adult. A microdissection study.

The simple cyst in the adult seems to be mainly an acquired disorder. Microdissection of the nephron in the adult kidney points to the presence of diverticula on the distal tubule as the starting point of the affection. A degree of obstruction in the urinary tract together with normal involutional phenomena of the basal membrane, both typical of the aging process, are believed to be precipitating factors.