38 Questions
What is the primary function of the microvilli in the Proximal Convoluted Tubule (PCT) cells?
To increase the surface area for passive transport
What is the role of the filtration slits in the glomerulus?
To facilitate the passage of substances into the capsular space
What is the main function of the basement membrane in the glomerulus?
To facilitate the passage of substances through the filtration slits
What is the primary function of the mitochondria in the PCT cells?
To generate ATP for active transport processes
What is the main function of the tight junctions between adjacent PCT cells?
To limit the escape of large molecules from the tubular lumen into the interstitial space
What is the main characteristic of the PCT cells in terms of permeability?
They are highly permeable to water and many solutes
What is the function of the podocytes in the glomerulus?
To form the filtration membrane along with the capillary endothelium and basement membrane
What is the primary function of the fenestrations in the glomerulus?
To allow the passage of substances through the filtration membrane
Which structure is responsible for collecting urine from the renal pyramids before it is conveyed to the ureter?
Renal pelvis
What is the primary role of the peritubular capillaries in the kidney?
Absorbing water and solutes from tubule cells
Which structure carries blood away from the glomerulus?
Efferent arteriole
Which pathway does blood follow after leaving the vasa recta?
Interlobular veins → arcuate veins → interlobar veins → renal vein
What is the function of the renal columns?
Providing a route for blood vessels and nerves to and from the cortex
Why do the renal pyramids appear striated?
Because they contain parallel bundles of ducts carrying urine
Which blood vessels directly feed into the glomerulus?
Afferent arterioles
What is the sequence of urine flow from the renal pyramids to the bladder?
Minor calyx → major calyx → renal pelvis
Which cells of the Juxtaglomerular Apparatus serve as baroreceptors sensitive to blood pressure?
Granular cells
What structures deliver urine through papillae into minor calyces?
Collecting ducts
Which cells in the JGA possess secretory granules containing renin?
Granular cells
What is the primary function of macula densa cells in the JGA?
Monitor and respond to changes in NaCl concentration
What is the main characteristic of principal cells in the late distal convoluted tubule and cortical collecting duct?
Have few microvilli and basolateral folds
Which cell type in the JGA acts as mechanoreceptors sensing blood pressure in the afferent arterioles?
Granular cells
Which cells are interconnected by gap junctions in the JGA?
Extraglomerular mesangial cells
Where is the juxtaglomerular apparatus located in relation to the afferent and efferent arterioles?
Between the thick ascending loop of Henle and the afferent and efferent arterioles
Which is a function of intercalated cells in the kidneys?
Secretion of hydrogen ions
What is the primary role of the myogenic mechanism in renal autoregulation?
Modifying the contraction of vascular smooth muscle cells in response to changes in blood pressure
What is a key characteristic of principal cells in the medullary collecting duct?
Relatively smooth membranes
What happens to the afferent arteriole when blood pressure decreases?
It dilates to increase blood flow
What primarily regulates the permeability of principal cells to water and solutes?
Hormones
Which of the following best describes the effect of high blood pressure on the afferent arteriole?
The vessel constricts to reduce blood flow
In urine formation, what remains in the blood plasma after filtration?
Proteins
What is the main factor that the tubuloglomerular mechanism responds to?
The osmolarity and/or the rate of filtrate flow in the terminal portion of the ascending loop of Henle
Which of the following statements about urine formation is correct?
It involves filtration, reabsorption, and secretion.
Which cells are sensitive to filtrate NaCl osmolarity in the tubuloglomerular mechanism?
Macula densa cells
Where do large quantities of water and solutes initially pass into during urine formation?
Glomerular capsule
How does the myogenic mechanism help to regulate glomerular blood flow?
By causing reflexive vasoconstriction or dilation of the afferent arteriole in response to blood pressure changes
Which structural feature is NOT common between principal cells and intercalated cells?
Smooth luminal membrane
What percentage of the filtrate ultimately becomes urine?
Less than 1%
This quiz covers the structure and function of the kidney, including the renal medulla, pyramids, and calyxes.
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