Physiology of the Kidneys

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What is the primary function of the kidneys in maintaining acid-base balance?

Regulating blood pH by secreting hydrogen ions

Excreting excess potassium ions to regulate blood pH

Producing erythropoietin to regulate red blood cell production

Reabsorbing bicarbonate ions to maintain blood pH 7.4 (correct)

Which hormone released by the kidneys regulates the water-salt balance of the blood?

Renin

Aldosterone (correct)

Vitamin D

Erythropoietin

What is the primary function of the kidneys in regulating blood pressure?

Excreting excess hormones

Producing vitamin D

Regulating ion concentrations in the blood (correct)

Regulating blood pH

What is the process by which the kidneys synthesize glucose from amino acids and other precursors during prolonged fasting?

Gluconeogenesis Signup and view all the answers

Which ion is reabsorbed by the kidneys to maintain blood pH?

Bicarbonate ions (HCO3-) Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal pH of the blood?

7.4 Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of erythropoietin released by the kidneys?

Producing red blood cells Signup and view all the answers

Which organ synthesizes vitamin D to promote calcium ion absorption?

Kidneys Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary nitrogenous end product of metabolism in humans?

Urea Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the urinary system in maintaining pH homeostasis?

Eliminating nitrogenous waste Signup and view all the answers

What condition can be caused by elevated urea levels in the blood?

Uremia Signup and view all the answers

What waste product results from the breakdown of creatine phosphate?

Creatinine Signup and view all the answers

How does the liver reduce the toxicity of ammonia?

By converting it to urea Signup and view all the answers

What can occur if too much uric acid is present in the blood?

Gout Signup and view all the answers

Which organ system removes metabolic waste materials from the body?

Urinary system Signup and view all the answers

What is a principal function of the kidneys?

Maintaining water-salt balance of the blood Signup and view all the answers

Which organ is primarily responsible for producing urea?

Liver Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of aquaporins in the nephron?

Facilitate water reabsorption Signup and view all the answers

During kidney failure, what substance forms on the skin due to urea excretion?

Uremic frost Signup and view all the answers

What precedes the reabsorption of water in the nephron?

Reabsorption of salt Signup and view all the answers

Which ions are reabsorbed or excreted by the kidneys as needed?

Potassium ions and bicarbonate ions Signup and view all the answers

Where does most of the water reabsorption occur in the nephron?

Proximal convoluted tubule Signup and view all the answers

How do the kidneys contribute to maintaining homeostasis?

By regulating water-salt balance and blood pH Signup and view all the answers

What happens to most of the sodium ions filtered at the glomerulus?

They are reabsorbed into the blood Signup and view all the answers