Kidney Structure and Function Year 1

What is the primary function of the renal system?

To produce, carry and store urine

What is the approximate weight of each human kidney?

130-150 g

What is the average amount of urine produced by humans in 24 hours?

1.5 litres (800ml – 2.2L)

What happens when fluid intake increases?

Urine production increases Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of glomerular filtration?

To remove toxins from the blood Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the rate at which the kidneys filter blood?

Glomerular filtration rate Signup and view all the answers

What happens to water in the kidneys?

Varying amounts are reabsorbed and urine produced Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the kidney in maintaining homeostasis?

To reabsorb useful substances and excrete toxins Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the foot processes of Glomerular Podocytes?

To wrap around the capillaries of the glomerulus Signup and view all the answers

What is the units of Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)?

mL/min/1.73m2 Signup and view all the answers

What is the equation for Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)?

GFR = Kf x net filtration pressure Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate value of Kf in the glomerular capillary?

12.5 ml/min/mmHg Signup and view all the answers

What is the hydrostatic pressure of the glomerular capillary?

60 mmHg Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) if the permeability of the capillary is reduced?

It decreases Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Starling equation in the context of Glomerular Filtration?

To describe the forces that control the Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the flow rate of filtered fluid through the kidney?

Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the ascending limb?

To generate a high solute concentration Signup and view all the answers

What happens to water as it moves through the descending limb?

It moves into the surrounding tissue Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the macula densa cells?

To act as chemoreceptors and osmoreceptors Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the juxtaglomerular cells?

To produce renin and act as mechanoreceptors Signup and view all the answers

What is the net result of the ascending limb's function?

A dilute, hypotonic urine and a hypertonic interstitial fluid Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the descending limb?

Thinner and permeable to water Signup and view all the answers

What happens to sodium chloride in the thicker part of the ascending limb?

It is actively transported out of the tubule Signup and view all the answers

What is the location of the juxtaglomerular apparatus?

Where the distal convoluted tubule lies against the afferent arteriole Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical volume of a full adult bladder?

500-600 mL Signup and view all the answers

When does the urge to urinate typically occur?

When the bladder is half full Signup and view all the answers

What type of muscle makes up the internal urethral sphincter?

Smooth muscle Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the detrusor muscle?

To contract the bladder Signup and view all the answers

What is the main component of the ureter wall?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

How often do most people urinate in a 24-hour period?

What type of epithelium lines the bladder?

Transitional epithelium Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the ureter as urine enters the renal pelvis?

It distends and stimulates contraction Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal frequency of urination during the day?

What happens to the bladder's ability to hold urine as people age?

It decreases to about half of what a younger bladder holds Signup and view all the answers

What is a common issue for women after menopause?

Urine leakage during coughing or laughing Signup and view all the answers

What is a common issue for men with an enlarged prostate?

Trouble emptying their bladder Signup and view all the answers