Anatomy of the Kidneys: Renal Medulla and Cortex

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What is the purpose of the medullary collecting duct?

To regulate blood pressure

To produce hormones

To carry urine through the tubules to the renal pelvis (correct)

To filter the blood

What is the main function of the glomerulus?

To produce hormones

To store urine

To regulate blood pressure

To filter the blood (correct)

What is the name of the structure formed by the glomerulus and the glomerular capsule?

Renal corpuscle (correct)

Urinary tract

Nephron

Glomerular capsule

Why is blood pressure high in the glomerulus?

Because of large diameter of afferent arterioles Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the layer that surrounds the permeable capillaries in the glomerular capsule?

Visceral layer Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the capsular space?

To collect fluid and solutes being filtered from the blood Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the small openings in the endothelial lining that allow for the passage of water and solutes?

Fenestrations Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the podocytes in the visceral layer of the glomerular capsule?

To surround the permeable capillaries Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of glomerular filtration volume is reabsorbed as the filtrate passes through the tubules?

99% Signup and view all the answers

What determines the glomerular filtration rate?

Net filtration pressure Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of renal autoregulation?

To maintain normal GFR during daily changes Signup and view all the answers

During mild exercise, what happens to systemic blood pressure and GFR?

Blood pressure increases, GFR increases Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the afferent arteriole during mild exercise?

It constricts to decrease GFR Signup and view all the answers

What happens to GFR and glomerular hydrostatic pressure when the afferent arteriole dilates?

GFR increases, glomerular hydrostatic pressure increases Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the renin-angiotensin system in regulating GFR?

It helps regulate blood pressure and GFR Signup and view all the answers

What happens to GFR when the systemic blood pressure returns to normal after mild exercise?

GFR returns to normal Signup and view all the answers

What is the key feature of principal cells in the medullary collecting duct?

Their hormonally regulated permeability to water and urea Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of intercalated cells in the kidney?

To secrete hydrogen ions to maintain acid-base balance Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the total filtrate becomes urine?

Less than 1% Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the filtration membrane?

To allow large quantities of water and solutes to pass from the blood into the glomerular capsule Signup and view all the answers

How many times does the kidney filter the body's entire plasma volume each day?

What is the main function of the kidneys in the body?

To filter the blood and remove waste products Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process of removing waste products from the bloodstream and excreting them in the urine?

Excretion Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process of transporting substances from the filtrate back into the bloodstream?

Reabsorption Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary response of the macula densa cells to high osmolarity in the terminal portion of the ascending loop of Henle?

Release of vasoconstrictor chemicals Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of a high rate of filtrate flow through the tubules due to increased GFR?

Higher osmolarity in the terminal portion of the ascending loop of Henle Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of vasoconstrictor chemicals released by the macula densa cells?

Constriction of the afferent arteriole Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of a low rate of filtrate flow and decreased levels of sodium and chloride ions in the terminal portion of the ascending loop of Henle?

Dilation of the afferent arteriole Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of a decrease in secretion of vasoconstrictor chemicals by the macula densa cells?

Increased glomerular filtration rate Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of constriction of the afferent arteriole in response to high osmolarity in the terminal portion of the ascending loop of Henle?

Lower glomerular filtration rate Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the renal pyramids in the renal medulla?

They carry urine from the nephrons Signup and view all the answers

Where do renal pyramids drain their contents?

Into the minor calyces Signup and view all the answers

Which structure collects urine from the renal pyramids and conveys it into the ureter?

Renal pelvis Signup and view all the answers

Which blood vessel immediately follows the glomerulus in the nephron structure?

Efferent arteriole Signup and view all the answers

What role do the peritubular capillaries play in the kidney?

They absorb water and solutes from tubule cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the sequence of blood flow from the renal artery to the glomerulus?

Renal artery → segmental arteries → lobar arteries → interlobar arteries → arcuate arteries → interlobular arteries → afferent arterioles → glomerulus Signup and view all the answers

What structures are extensions of the renal cortex that provide a route for passage of blood vessels and nerves?

Renal columns Signup and view all the answers

Which sequence correctly describes the order of structures that urine flows through from the renal pyramids to the urinary bladder?

Minor calyx → Major calyx → Renal pelvis → Ureter Signup and view all the answers