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Questions and Answers
What is the Nephron?
The unit of the Kidney responsible for the production of urine in order to get rid of excess water and toxic waste products.
How many Nephrons are in each Kidney?
Approximately 1 million
What is the function of the Afferent Arteriole?
Blood enters the Glomerulus through this.
What is the function of the Efferent Arteriole?
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What is the Glomerulus?
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What happens as blood enters and exits the Glomerulus?
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What is the first part of the journey where filtration takes place?
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What does normal filtrate contain?
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What are Creatinine and Urea?
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What occurs in the Proximal Convoluted Tubule?
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How much Urea is reabsorbed into the blood at the Proximal Convoluted Tubule?
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How does water (H2O) leave the Nephron?
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What is secreted in the Proximal Convoluted Tubule?
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What is the function of the Loop of Henle?
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What is the Medulla in relation to the Nephron?
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Is the Ascending Limb permeable to water?
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Is the Descending Limb permeable to water?
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How does water leave the descending limb?
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Where does Sodium Chloride (NaCl) leave?
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How much Sodium Chloride (NaCl) is reabsorbed from the Loop of Henle?
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What occurs in the Distal Convoluted Tubule?
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What is secreted into the Distal Convoluted Tubule?
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Is the Distal Convoluted Tubule normally impermeable to water?
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How can you summarize the function of the Nephron?
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What does the Collecting Duct reabsorb?
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What does Excretion/Urine contain?
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What happens at the end of the Collecting Duct?
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What is Homeostasis?
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How do the Kidneys help to maintain Homeostasis in the body?
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Study Notes
Nephron Overview
- Nephrons are the functional units of the kidneys responsible for urine production.
- Each kidney contains approximately 1 million nephrons.
Glomerulus Function
- Afferent arterioles supply blood to the glomerulus, while efferent arterioles carry blood away.
- The glomerulus consists of a network of capillaries where filtering occurs.
Filtration Process
- As blood passes through the glomerulus, components are filtered into the Bowman's capsule.
- Normal filtrate includes water, sodium chloride, potassium, bicarbonate, glucose, amino acids, creatinine, and urea.
Waste Management
- Creatinine and urea are waste products that must be eliminated to prevent toxicity.
- Approximately 50% of urea is reabsorbed in the proximal convoluted tubule.
Proximal Convoluted Tubule (PCT)
- In the PCT, key reabsorbed substances include potassium, sodium chloride (65%), water (65%), amino acids (100%), glucose (100%), and bicarbonate (90%).
- Uric acid and organic acids are secreted in the PCT, aiding in waste removal.
Loop of Henle
- The loop consists of a descending limb (permeable to water) and an ascending limb (impermeable to water).
- The medulla is highly concentrated with salts, promoting water reabsorption via osmosis in the descending limb.
- Approximately 25% of sodium chloride is reabsorbed in the loop, with active pumping occurring in the thick ascending limb.
Distal Convoluted Tubule (DCT)
- Under aldosterone influence, the DCT reabsorbs approximately 5% of sodium chloride, water, and bicarbonate.
- Potassium and hydrogen ions are secreted into the DCT.
Collecting Duct Function
- The collecting duct reabsorbs urea, about 5% of filtered sodium chloride, and additional water.
- At the end of the collecting duct, essential nutrients are reabsorbed while excess wastes are excreted.
Homeostasis Role
- Homeostasis refers to the maintenance of a stable internal environment.
- Kidneys contribute to homeostasis by regulating water balance, ion concentration, and acid-base levels in bodily fluids.
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Description
Explore the essential functions of the nephron, the basic unit of the kidney responsible for urine production and waste elimination. Test your knowledge on the structure and blood flow within the nephron through these flashcards.