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Questions and Answers
What is the approximate length of a kidney?
What is the function of the glomerulus?
What is the function of the proximal convoluted tubule?
What is the function of the loop of Henle?
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What is the function of the collecting duct?
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What are the functional units of the kidney?
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What is the nerve supply to the kidney?
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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.
