L12 physiology

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Questions and Answers

What is the effect of decreased sodium chloride concentration on the afferent arterioles?

  • Decreases resistance to blood flow (correct)
  • Decreases glomerular capillary hydrostatic pressure
  • Increases resistance to blood flow
  • Causes constriction of the arterioles

Which muscle is primarily responsible for bladder contraction during micturition?

  • Internal urethral sphincter
  • External urethral sphincter
  • Pelvic floor muscles
  • Detrusor muscle (correct)

What triggers the micturition reflex to initiate urination?

  • Contraction of the external urethral sphincter
  • Increased sodium concentration in the blood
  • Stretch receptors in the bladder wall (correct)
  • Release of renin from juxtaglomerular cells

During which phase does the internal urethral sphincter remain tense?

<p>Storage phase (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What must occur for urination to successfully take place?

<p>Coupling of micturition reflex with relaxation of external urethral sphincter (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What structures are involved in the filtration process of a nephron?

<p>Glomerulus and peritubular capillaries (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which segment of the Loop of Henle primarily consists of simple squamous cells?

<p>Thin segment (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the distal convoluted tubule (DCT)?

<p>Secretion of ions and other substances (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of juxtaglomerular cells within the juxtaglomerular apparatus?

<p>Secreting renin (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which process involves the movement of substances from renal tubules back into blood plasma?

<p>Tubular reabsorption (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the kidneys?

<p>Excretion of waste products and foreign chemicals (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the nephron is responsible for the initial filtration of blood?

<p>Glomerulus (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does GFR stand for in the context of kidney function?

<p>Glomerular Filtration Rate (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following components is part of the renal tubule?

<p>Loop of Henle (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the hormone erythropoietin play in the body?

<p>Regulation of red blood cell production (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT a function of the kidneys?

<p>Storing bile (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT)?

<p>Reabsorption of water and solutes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What anatomical feature encloses the glomerulus?

<p>Bowman's capsule (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Kidney Function

The kidney plays a crucial role in maintaining bodily homeostasis by filtering waste products, regulating electrolytes and fluid balance, controlling blood pressure, and contributing to red blood cell production.

Urine Formation Steps

Urine formation involves three main steps: glomerular filtration, tubular reabsorption, and tubular secretion. Glomerular filtration separates waste products from blood, tubular reabsorption returns useful substances back to the blood, and tubular secretion adds additional waste products to the filtrate.

Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)

GFR measures the rate at which blood is filtered by the kidneys. It indicates the overall health of the kidneys and their ability to filter waste products.

Glomerular Filtration

In glomerular filtration, blood pressure forces fluid and small solutes from the capillaries of the glomerulus into Bowman's capsule. This process is responsible for initiating urine formation.

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Tubular Reabsorption

As the filtrate passes through the renal tubules, essential substances like glucose, amino acids, and water are actively reabsorbed back into the bloodstream.

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Tubular Secretion

Certain substances like potassium ions, hydrogen ions, and drugs are actively secreted from the blood into the tubules, adding to the filtrate and contributing to urine formation.

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Factors Affecting Urine Output

Factors like fluid intake, blood pressure, hormone levels, and medications can significantly influence urine output.

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Nephron Structure

The nephron, the functional unit of the kidney, has two main components: the vascular component (glomerulus and blood vessels) and the tubular component (proximal convoluted tubule, loop of Henle, distal convoluted tubule, and collecting duct).

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Loop of Henle

A hairpin-shaped structure in the renal tubule responsible for reabsorbing water and concentrating urine.

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Juxtaglomerular Apparatus

A specialized structure near the glomerulus that regulates blood pressure and filters blood.

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Macula Densa Signal

A chemical signal sent by the macula densa in the kidney when sodium chloride levels in the filtrate are too low. It triggers vasodilation of the afferent arteriole and increased renin release from juxtaglomerular cells.

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Afferent Arteriole Vasodilation

The widening of the afferent arteriole, the blood vessel carrying blood to the glomerulus, in response to the macula densa signal. This increases glomerular capillary hydrostatic pressure, pushing more fluid into Bowman's capsule and increasing GFR.

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Renin Release

The release of renin, a hormone that triggers the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), from juxtaglomerular cells in response to low sodium chloride levels in the filtrate. This process ultimately aims to increase blood pressure and sodium reabsorption in the kidneys.

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Micturition

The process of urinating, involving the coordinated relaxation of the internal and external urethral sphincters and contraction of the detrusor muscle in the bladder.

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Detrusor Muscle

The smooth muscle lining the bladder wall. It contracts under parasympathetic control during micturition to expel urine.

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Study Notes

Renal System Overview

  • The kidney is a reddish-brown, bean-shaped organ, approximately 12 centimeters long, enclosed in a tough fibrous capsule.
  • Kidneys are located on either side of the vertebral column, behind the peritoneum, against the deep muscles of the back.
  • Kidneys perform crucial functions including excretion of waste products and foreign chemicals; regulation of water and electrolyte balances; regulation of body fluid and electrolyte concentrations (Na+, Ca2+, K+, etc.); regulation of arterial blood pressure via the renin-angiotensin system; regulation of acid balance; secretion, metabolism, and excretion of hormones; hemopoietin function (regulation of red blood cell production via erythropoietin); and aiding in vitamin D production.

Kidney Structure

  • The kidney has distinct regions:
    • Renal cortex
    • Renal medulla
    • Renal pyramids
    • Renal pelvis
    • Renal capsule
    • Ureter

Nephron

  • The nephron is the structural and functional unit of the kidney.
  • Each nephron has two components:
    • Vascular component
    • Tubular component
  • Cortical nephrons (80-85%) are more superficial and have a shorter loop of Henle.
  • Juxtamedullary nephrons (15-20%) are located closer to the medulla and possess a longer loop of Henle, essential for concentrating urine.

Renal Corpuscle

  • The renal corpuscle, the initial filtering unit, is composed of:
    • Glomerulus: A network of capillaries
    • Bowman's capsule: A cup-shaped structure that encloses the glomerulus

Renal Tubule

  • The renal tubule, extending from Bowman's capsule, processes the filtrate:
    • Proximal convoluted tubule (PCT): Reabsorbs water and solutes, secretes substances.
    • Loop of Henle: A hairpin loop with ascending and descending limbs; crucial for water reabsorption and urine concentration.
    • Distal convoluted tubule (DCT): Primarily involved in secretion.
    • Collecting ducts: Receive filtrate from DCTs, empty into minor calyces.

Capillary Beds

  • Each nephron includes two capillary beds:
    • Glomerulus - filters blood
    • Peritubular capillaries - reabsorb and secrete substances

Urine Formation

  • Urine formation involves three processes:
    • Glomerular filtration: Substances move from glomerular capillaries into renal tubules.
    • Tubular reabsorption: Useful substances are reabsorbed into the blood.
    • Tubular secretion: Additional wastes move from the blood to the filtrate.

Juxta-Glomerular Apparatus

  • The juxtaglomerular apparatus (JGA) is a specialized region near the glomerulus in the kidney, regulating glomerular filtration rate (GFR) via:
    • Macula densa cells
    • Extra glomerular mesengial cells
    • Juxtaglomerular cells: Secrete renin.

Micturition

  • Micturition is the process of emptying the urinary bladder.
  • It is controlled by autonomic and somatic nervous systems.
  • The internal urethral sphincter remains tense during storage phase.
  • Relaxation of the sphincters and contraction of detrusor muscle cause urination.
  • Micturition is initiated by stretch receptors in the bladder wall.

Learning Resources

  • Essential textbook for anatomy and physiology is recommended (Marieb En, Human Anatomy and Physiology, 9th Ed.)

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