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Questions and Answers
What is the approximate length of a kidney?
What is the approximate length of a kidney?
What is the function of the glomerulus?
What is the function of the glomerulus?
What is the function of the proximal convoluted tubule?
What is the function of the proximal convoluted tubule?
What is the function of the loop of Henle?
What is the function of the loop of Henle?
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What is the function of the collecting duct?
What is the function of the collecting duct?
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What are the functional units of the kidney?
What are the functional units of the kidney?
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What is the nerve supply to the kidney?
What is the nerve supply to the kidney?
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What is the function of the kidneys in regulating blood pressure?
What is the function of the kidneys in regulating blood pressure?
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Study Notes
Kidneys
Location and Structure
- Located in the upper abdominal cavity, one on each side of the spine
- Bean-shaped organs, approximately 4-5 inches long and 2-3 inches wide
- Protected by the rib cage and surrounded by a layer of fat
- Each kidney has a distinct outer layer (cortex) and inner layer (medulla)
Functions
- Filtration: remove waste and excess substances from the blood
- Regulation: maintain electrolyte balance, pH balance, and blood pressure
- Endocrine: produce hormones that help regulate blood pressure, produce red blood cells, and maintain strong bones
Nephrons
- Functional units of the kidney, approximately 1 million per kidney
- Consist of:
- Glomerulus: a cluster of capillaries that filter the blood
- Bowman's capsule: a double-layered epithelial sac that surrounds the glomerulus
- Proximal convoluted tubule: reabsorbs water and nutrients back into the bloodstream
- Loop of Henle: concentrates or dilutes the urine
- Distal convoluted tubule: further regulates electrolyte balance
- Collecting duct: collects and transports urine to the renal pelvis
Blood Supply and Nerve Supply
- Renal artery: supplies oxygenated blood to the kidney
- Renal vein: returns deoxygenated blood to the heart
- Nerve supply: sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves regulate kidney function and respond to changes in blood pressure
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Description
Learn about the structure and functions of the kidneys, including their location, nephrons, blood supply, and nerve supply. Understand how they filter waste, regulate electrolyte balance, and produce hormones.
