Which structure collects urine at the end of the renal papilla?

The calyx is the correct answer because it is the anatomical structure that collects urine as it is excreted from the renal papilla, which is the tips of the renal pyramids in the kidney. Each renal papilla projects into a minor calyx, and several minor calyces converge to form a major calyx, further channeling the urine towards the renal pelvis and ultimately into the ureter. This process is crucial for the proper collection and drainage of urine produced by the nephrons.

The capsule, which refers to the renal capsule, primarily serves as a protective covering for the kidney rather than being involved in the collection of urine. The renal cortex is the outer portion of the kidney that contains glomeruli and part of the nephron, but it does not have a direct function in collecting urine. Renal columns are extensions of the cortex between the renal pyramids, and while they have a supporting role within the kidney structure, they do not participate in the collection of urine.