Renal Structure and Function Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the functional unit of the kidney?

The nephron is the functional unit of the kidney.

What are the two main components of a nephron?

The two main components of a nephron are the renal corpuscle and the renal tubule.

What is the function of the glomerulus?

The glomerulus filters blood, allowing water, metabolic wastes, ions, nutrients, and other solutes to enter the capsular space.

What is the function of the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT)?

The PCT reabsorbs water, ions, and nutrients from the filtrate. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the loop of Henle?

The descending limb of the loop of Henle reabsorbs water, while the ascending limb reabsorbs Na+ and Cl- ions. Signup and view all the answers

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

The DCT actively secretes ions, drugs, and toxins into the filtrate, and reabsorbs Na+ with water in exchange for H+ and K+ under the control of aldosterone. Signup and view all the answers

What are the four main steps involved in urine formation?

The four main steps involved in urine formation are filtration, reabsorption, secretion, and excretion. Signup and view all the answers

What are three normal waste products found in urine?

Three common waste products found in urine are urea, creatinine, and uric acid. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the structural difference between a multipolar neuron and a unipolar neuron.

Multipolar neurons have multiple dendrites and a single, long axon, while unipolar neurons have a continuous dendrite and axon with the cell body pushed to one side. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of sensory neurons and what do they monitor?

Somatic sensory neurons monitor the external environment, while visceral sensory neurons monitor the internal environment. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the role of interneurons in the nervous system and provide an example of a higher function they participate in.

Interneurons connect sensory and motor neurons, facilitating the distribution of sensory information and coordination of motor activity. They are involved in higher functions like memory, planning, and learning. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of axon terminals and how do they communicate with other cells?

Axon terminals are located at the end of axons and release neurotransmitters into the synapse to communicate with other neurons or target cells. Signup and view all the answers

Give an example of a type of effector that is innervated by visceral motor neurons.

Cardiac muscle, smooth muscle, or glands are examples of effectors innervated by visceral motor neurons. Signup and view all the answers

What hormone is released from the anterior pituitary in response to corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) from the hypothalamus?

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) Signup and view all the answers

Identify the two gonadotropins released from the anterior pituitary and their targets.

The two gonadotropins are follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). FSH targets the gonads (testes and ovaries) and stimulates the production of gametes in both sexes. LH also targets the gonads and stimulates the production of sex hormones, such as testosterone in males and estrogen and progesterone in females. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the negative feedback loop involved in the regulation of thyroid hormone secretion.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) released from the anterior pituitary stimulates the thyroid gland to release thyroid hormones. Increased levels of thyroid hormones then inhibit the release of TRH from the hypothalamus and TSH from the anterior pituitary, creating a negative feedback loop. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the role of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GH–RH) and growth hormone-inhibiting hormone (GH–IH) in regulating growth hormone (GH) secretion.

GH–RH from the hypothalamus stimulates the release of GH from the anterior pituitary gland. GH–IH, also from the hypothalamus, inhibits the release of GH. The balance of these two hypothalamic hormones regulates GH levels, ensuring appropriate growth and development. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of prolactin (PRL) in females?

Prolactin (PRL), released from the anterior pituitary, stimulates the mammary glands in females to produce milk during pregnancy and nursing. Signup and view all the answers

What physiological process does luteinizing hormone (LH) induce in females, and what hormones are secreted as a result?

LH induces ovulation in females, the release of a mature egg from the ovary. This process is followed by the secretion of estrogens and progesterone, hormones vital for maintaining pregnancy and regulating the menstrual cycle. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in males?

In males, FSH promotes sperm maturation within the seminiferous tubules of the testes, contributing to the production of viable sperm. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the function of the hypophyseal portal system in the regulation of anterior pituitary hormones.

The hypophyseal portal system acts as a bridge between the hypothalamus and the anterior pituitary gland. Regulatory hormones from the hypothalamus travel through this system and diffuse onto target cells in the anterior pituitary, influencing the release or inhibition of specific hormones. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the dorsal root ganglia, and where are they located?

The dorsal root ganglia contain cell bodies of sensory neurons and are located on the dorsal root of each spinal nerve, just outside the spinal cord. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the role of the gray commissures in the spinal cord.

The gray commissures are composed of axons that cross from one side of the spinal cord to the other. They connect the gray horns on either side of the spinal cord, allowing communication between the left and right sides of the spinal cord. Signup and view all the answers

Where in the spinal cord would you find the lateral gray horn, and what type of neurons are located there?

The lateral gray horn is found only in the thoracic and lumbar segments of the spinal cord. It contains visceral (autonomic) motor nuclei. Signup and view all the answers

Compare and contrast the function of the anterior and posterior white columns of the spinal cord.

Both the anterior and posterior white columns contain bundles of nerve fibers. The anterior white columns carry motor (descending) nerve fibers, while the posterior white columns carry sensory (ascending) nerve fibers. Signup and view all the answers

What happens at the axon terminal of a presynaptic neuron during synaptic transmission?

The axon terminal of a presynaptic neuron contains vesicles filled with neurotransmitters. When an action potential arrives, calcium ions enter the axon terminal and trigger the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the role of acetylcholinesterase in synaptic transmission.

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine (ACh) in the synaptic cleft. This removal of ACh allows the postsynaptic neuron to reset and receive further signals. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main motor neurons involved in the autonomic nervous system, and where are they located?

The two main motor neurons in the autonomic nervous system are the preganglionic neuron and the postganglionic neuron. Preganglionic neurons are found in the central nervous system (CNS), while postganglionic neurons are located in autonomic ganglia. Signup and view all the answers

How does the autonomic nervous system differ from the somatic nervous system?

The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary functions, while the somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements. The autonomic nervous system uses a two-neuron chain to connect the CNS to effectors, while the somatic nervous system uses a single neuron. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the anatomical location and length of preganglionic and postganglionic fibers in the sympathetic division.

Preganglionic fibers in the sympathetic division originate in the thoracic and lumbar spinal segments and are short. Postganglionic fibers are long and extend from sympathetic ganglia located near the spinal cord. Signup and view all the answers

List three physiological effects of sympathetic nervous system activation.

Sympathetic activation leads to increased alertness, metabolic rate, and heart rate. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the adrenal medulla in the sympathetic response?

The adrenal medulla releases norepinephrine and epinephrine into the bloodstream, amplifying and prolonging the effects of sympathetic stimulation. Signup and view all the answers

Explain why the parasympathetic division is referred to as the 'rest-and-digest' system.

The parasympathetic nervous system promotes activities associated with relaxation, digestion, and energy conservation. Signup and view all the answers

How does the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) contribute to the function of both the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions?

All preganglionic fibers in both divisions release acetylcholine, which is excitatory, initiating the signaling cascade. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary neurotransmitter released by postganglionic fibers in the sympathetic nervous system, and what are its typical effects?

The primary neurotransmitter in postganglionic sympathetic fibers is norepinephrine, which typically has excitatory effects on target organs. Signup and view all the answers

Compare the divergence of the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions, and explain the implications of this difference.

The sympathetic division exhibits greater divergence than the parasympathetic, resulting in widespread and generalized effects. Conversely, the parasympathetic's limited divergence allows for more localized and specific responses. Signup and view all the answers

Describe two physiological processes that are stimulated by the parasympathetic nervous system.

The parasympathetic system stimulates digestive secretions and increases smooth muscle activity in the digestive tract. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) in the body?

MSH increases the activity of melanocytes in the skin, leading to increased melanin production, which contributes to skin pigmentation. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two hormones released by the posterior pituitary gland, and where are they produced?

The two hormones are antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and oxytocin (OXT). They are produced by neurons in the hypothalamus and transported to the posterior pituitary for release. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary target organ for antidiuretic hormone (ADH), and what is its main effect on this organ?

The kidneys are the primary target organ for ADH. Its main effect is to increase water reabsorption in the kidneys, helping to concentrate urine and conserve water in the body. Signup and view all the answers

Describe two primary functions of oxytocin (OXT) in the body.

Oxytocin stimulates uterine muscle contractions during labor and delivery, aiding in childbirth. It also triggers milk letdown in the mammary glands, facilitating breastfeeding. Signup and view all the answers

Why are neurons unable to regenerate or be replaced if damaged?

Neurons lack centrioles, which are essential for cell division. Without centrioles, neurons cannot divide, regenerate, or be replaced if damaged. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the axon hillock in a neuron?

The axon hillock is the thickened region near the axon where action potentials are generated and transmitted down the axon. Signup and view all the answers

Why does neural tissue appear gray in color?

The presence of Nissl bodies, which are clusters of rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) and ribosomes, contributes to the gray appearance of neural tissue. Signup and view all the answers

What are two key characteristics of dendrites in a neuron?

Dendrites are numerous, short, and branched. They are also sensitive to stimulation, receiving signals from other neurons. Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Nephron

The functional unit of the kidney, comprised of renal corpuscle and renal tubule.

Renal Corpuscle

Part of the nephron that includes glomerulus and Bowman’s capsule, responsible for filtration.