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Questions and Answers
What is the primary site for the reabsorption of water in the nephron?
What is the primary site for the reabsorption of water in the nephron?
What structure do the cells of the proximal convoluted tubule have that enhances reabsorption?
What structure do the cells of the proximal convoluted tubule have that enhances reabsorption?
How are sodium ions actively transported out of the proximal convoluted tubule cells?
How are sodium ions actively transported out of the proximal convoluted tubule cells?
What process allows sodium ions to move from the lumen of the proximal convoluted tubule into the lining cells?
What process allows sodium ions to move from the lumen of the proximal convoluted tubule into the lining cells?
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What ultimately follows water reabsorption in the proximal convoluted tubule?
What ultimately follows water reabsorption in the proximal convoluted tubule?
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What is the main function of the nephron?
What is the main function of the nephron?
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Which part of the nephron is responsible for reabsorbing mineral salts, glucose, and water?
Which part of the nephron is responsible for reabsorbing mineral salts, glucose, and water?
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What is the role of the glomerulus in the nephron?
What is the role of the glomerulus in the nephron?
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Why is the diameter of the efferent arteriole smaller than that of the afferent arteriole?
Why is the diameter of the efferent arteriole smaller than that of the afferent arteriole?
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What type of epithelial cells are found in the proximal convoluted tubule?
What type of epithelial cells are found in the proximal convoluted tubule?
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What is the primary function of the collecting duct?
What is the primary function of the collecting duct?
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Where does the loop of Henlé extend from in the kidney structure?
Where does the loop of Henlé extend from in the kidney structure?
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What is the primary function of the kidneys related to blood composition?
What is the primary function of the kidneys related to blood composition?
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What causes the build-up of hydrostatic pressure in the glomerulus?
What causes the build-up of hydrostatic pressure in the glomerulus?
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Which substances are primarily involved in the process of ultrafiltration in the nephron?
Which substances are primarily involved in the process of ultrafiltration in the nephron?
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What percentage of the filtrate is reabsorbed in the proximal convoluted tubule?
What percentage of the filtrate is reabsorbed in the proximal convoluted tubule?
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What structural feature of the glomerular capillaries aids in ultrafiltration?
What structural feature of the glomerular capillaries aids in ultrafiltration?
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Which of the following substances does NOT typically get filtered out during ultrafiltration?
Which of the following substances does NOT typically get filtered out during ultrafiltration?
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How much urine typically leaves the body per day?
How much urine typically leaves the body per day?
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What role do the peritubular capillaries play in the nephron?
What role do the peritubular capillaries play in the nephron?
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Which part of the nephron is primarily responsible for the filtration process?
Which part of the nephron is primarily responsible for the filtration process?
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Which of the following is a waste product removed by the kidneys?
Which of the following is a waste product removed by the kidneys?
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Study Notes
Nephron Structure
- The nephron is the kidney's functional unit, a narrow tube with twisted regions and a hairpin loop.
- It consists of a closed end called the renal (Bowman's) capsule, which contains a glomerulus (a mass of blood capillaries).
- The capsule's inner layer, podocytes, are specialised cells.
- The proximal convoluted tubule is a series of loops with cuboidal epithelial cells and microvilli.
- The loop of Henlé extends into the medulla, surrounded by blood capillaries.
- The distal convoluted tubule has cuboidal epithelial cells with fewer surrounding capillaries than the proximal tubule.
- The collecting duct collects the waste product from multiple distal convoluted tubules.
- Associated blood vessels include:
- Afferent arteriole: a branch of the renal artery that supplies the nephron.
- Glomerulus: many-branched capillaries inside the renal capsule, forcing fluid from blood.
- Efferent arteriole: a smaller vessel leaving the capsule, increasing blood pressure within the glomerulus.
- Peritubular capillaries: surrounding tubules, absorbing mineral salts, glucose, and water.
Kidney Function - Ultrafiltration and Selective Reabsorption
- The kidney's main function is regulating blood composition by ultrafiltration, selective reabsorption, and water/mineral reabsorption.
- Ultrafiltration: High hydrostatic pressure in the glomerulus forces water, glucose, mineral ions, and small molecules out of the blood.
- The process is resisted by the capillary endothelium, basement membrane, epithelial cells in the renal capsule, and intracapsular pressure.
- Podocytes and gaps in the endothelium of glomerular capillaries allow filtrate to pass through.
- Filtrate has similar composition to blood plasma except for proteins. 125 cm³ of filtrate are produced per minute and these are useful substances.
- Selective Reabsorption: The proximal convoluted tubule reabsorbs approximately 85% of the filtrate.
- Key elements transported back into the blood include significant amounts of water, glucose, essential amino acids, and mineral ions.
- Co-transport of molecules, driven by sodium gradients, is a crucial component of selective reabsorption.
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Description
This quiz explores the intricate structure of the nephron, the kidney's functional unit. You'll learn about key components such as the renal capsule, glomerulus, and various tubules. Understanding these structures is essential for grasping kidney function and filtration processes.
