Urinary System Anatomy and Functions
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Questions and Answers

What is one of the primary functions of the urinary system?

  • Regulate plasma volume (correct)
  • Regulate body temperature
  • Store bile
  • Produce hormones
  • Which structure is responsible for transporting urine from the kidneys to the bladder?

  • Renal artery
  • Urethra
  • Bladder
  • Ureters (correct)
  • What is the approximate weight range of a human kidney?

  • 115–170 grams (correct)
  • 50–100 grams
  • 300–350 grams
  • 200–250 grams
  • Which of the following is not a function of the urinary system?

    <p>Secreting insulin (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What best describes the anatomical position of the kidneys?

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

    What is the primary physiological response of myogenic regulation in the context of glomerular filtration rate (GFR)?

    <p>Constriction of arterioles in response to stretch (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does a decrease in blood pressure (BP) affect glomerular filtration rate (GFR)?

    <p>It can decrease GFR due to reduced filtration pressure (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What mechanism is involved in tubuloglomerular feedback?

    <p>Paracrine secretion in response to flow (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes extrinsic controls of GFR?

    <p>They adjust GFR through neural and hormonal pathways. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of glomerular capillary pressure in regulating GFR?

    <p>It maintains a necessary balance for adequate filtration. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in mL/min?

    <p>125 mL/min (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which structure represents a barrier that glomerular filtrate must cross to enter Bowman's capsule?

    <p>Podocyte foot processes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What pressure is primarily responsible for favoring filtration in the glomerulus?

    <p>Glomerular capillary hydrostatic pressure (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following pressures opposes glomerular filtration?

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

    Which element is NOT a barrier that glomerular filtrate must pass through?

    <p>Distal tubule epithelium (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the renal arteries?

    <p>To filter blood (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor contributes to the high glomerular capillary hydrostatic pressure?

    <p>High resistance in the efferent arteriole (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the oncotic pressure of Bowman's capsule?

    <p>0 mm Hg (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which structure directly receives blood from the glomerulus?

    <p>Efferent arteriole (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many barriers must glomerular filtrate cross to enter Bowman's capsule?

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

    What percentage of cardiac output do the renal arteries receive at rest?

    <p>20% (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During which process does fluid move from the glomerulus to Bowman's capsule?

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

    Which structure is part of the juxtaglomerular apparatus and plays a role in blood pressure regulation?

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

    What is the main role of peritubular capillaries in kidney function?

    <p>To facilitate reabsorption (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the pathway of blood flow from the renal artery to the renal vein?

    <p>Renal artery → Afferent arteriole → Glomerulus → Peritubular capillaries → Renal vein (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following processes does NOT occur in the renal tubules?

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

    What is primarily responsible for detecting changes in blood pressure?

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

    Where does the majority of solute reabsorption occur in the nephron?

    <p>Proximal convoluted tubules (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the role of renal sympathetic nervous activity in blood pressure regulation?

    <p>It increases renal vascular resistance. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The movement of substances from the renal tubules back into the bloodstream is known as what?

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

    Which physiological concept explains the return of blood volume to normal after a hemorrhage?

    <p>Negative feedback (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which structure acts as a barrier during the reabsorption process in the kidneys?

    <p>Capillary endothelial cells (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does increased renal vascular resistance have on mean arterial pressure (MAP)?

    <p>Increases MAP (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary mechanism through which the body responds to decreased renal perfusion pressure?

    <p>Enhanced sympathetic nervous activity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens when solute in the filtrate saturates the carrier proteins?

    <p>Some solute is excreted in urine (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the transport maximum for glucose reabsorption?

    <p>375 mg/min (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of transport is primarily responsible for glucose reabsorption at the apical membrane?

    <p>Secondary active transport (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the renal threshold refer to in terms of glucose?

    <p>The concentration at which glucose appears in urine (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During passive solute reabsorption, which factor influences the direction of solute movement?

    <p>Concentration gradients between tubular fluid and plasma (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What occurs when glucose in the plasma reaches a concentration of 300 mg/dL?

    <p>Glucose will appear in urine (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which membrane transport mechanism is utilized by glucose at the basolateral membrane?

    <p>Facilitated diffusion (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical filtered load of glucose per minute at a plasma glucose concentration of 100 mg/dL?

    <p>125 mg/min (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Functions of the Urinary System

    The urinary system regulates plasma ion balance, volume, osmolarity, and pH; removes waste products; secretes erythropoietin and renin; activates Vitamin D3; and performs gluconeogenesis.

    Kidney Size and Shape

    The kidneys are bean-shaped, roughly the size of a fist, and weigh approximately 115-170 grams.

    Kidney Location

    Paired kidneys are located behind the abdominal lining (retroperitoneal).

    Urinary System Pathway

    Urine is formed in the kidneys, travels through the ureters to the bladder, and is excreted through the urethra.

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    Kidney Structures

    Kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, work together to filter blood, collect waste (urine), and excrete it.

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    Glomerular filtration

    The process where blood is filtered from the glomerulus into Bowman's capsule.

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    Reabsorption

    The process where useful substances are reabsorbed from the tubules back into the peritubular capillaries.

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    Secretion

    The process where waste products are secreted from the peritubular capillaries into the tubules.

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    Excretion

    The process where waste products are excreted from the tubules out of the body.

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    What is the function of the afferent arteriole?

    It carries blood to the glomerulus for filtration.

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    What is the function of the efferent arteriole?

    It carries filtered blood away from the glomerulus.

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    What is the function of the peritubular capillaries?

    They surround the proximal and distal tubules, enabling reabsorption and secretion.

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    What is the function of the juxtaglomerular apparatus?

    It helps regulate blood pressure and filtration rate by secreting renin.

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    Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)

    The volume of fluid filtered from the glomerular capillaries into Bowman's capsule per unit time. It reflects the overall efficiency of kidney filtration.

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    Myogenic Regulation of GFR

    A mechanism where the smooth muscle in afferent arterioles contracts in response to increased stretch caused by higher blood pressure, thus constricting the arterioles and reducing GFR.

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    Tubuloglomerular Feedback (TGF)

    A mechanism where the macula densa cells in the distal tubule sense changes in flow rate and sodium concentration and release paracrine signals to regulate afferent arteriole diameter and GFR.

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    What happens to GFR with decreased blood pressure?

    Decreased blood pressure directly reduces filtration pressure, leading to a lower GFR. Additionally, extrinsic controls can further decrease GFR to maintain blood pressure.

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    Extrinsic Control of GFR

    External factors like hormones and the nervous system regulate GFR to maintain blood pressure and volume. For example, decreased blood pressure triggers the release of hormones to constrict arterioles and increase GFR.

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    Barriers to Glomerular Filtration

    Three layers must be passed for filtrate to enter Bowman's capsule: the capillary endothelial layer, the basement membrane, and the surrounding epithelial layer (podocytes).

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    What are Starling Forces?

    Physical forces that govern the movement of fluid across capillary walls, including hydrostatic pressure (pushing force) and oncotic pressure (pulling force).

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    Starling Forces Favoring Filtration

    The forces that promote the movement of fluid from the glomerular capillaries into Bowman's capsule due to the high hydrostatic pressure in the capillaries and low oncotic pressure in Bowman's capsule.

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    Starling Forces Opposing Filtration

    The forces that resist the movement of fluid from the glomerular capillaries into Bowman's capsule. These include hydrostatic pressure within Bowman's capsule and oncotic pressure within the glomerular capillaries.

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    Hydrostatic Pressure

    The pressure of fluid within a vessel or space, pushing fluid out.

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    Oncotic Pressure

    The pressure created by the presence of proteins in a fluid, pulling water towards it.

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    What is Reabsorption?

    The movement of substances from the renal tubules back into the bloodstream.

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    Where does most Reabsorption occur?

    Most reabsorption happens in the proximal tubules, the first part of the nephron.

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    What is Solute Reabsorption?

    The movement of dissolved substances like glucose, salts, and amino acids from the tubules back into the blood.

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    Where does some Solute Reabsorption take place?

    Some solute reabsorption also occurs in the distal convoluted tubules.

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    What are the barriers to Reabsorption?

    Epithelial cells lining the renal tubules and endothelial cells of capillaries. The capillaries are the smallest blood vessels.

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    What happens when blood volume decreases?

    The body responds by increasing blood pressure through mechanisms like vasoconstriction and increasing heart rate.

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    How does the body increase blood pressure?

    By constricting blood vessels (vasoconstriction), increasing heart rate, and increasing fluid retention by the kidneys.

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    What is negative feedback in blood pressure regulation?

    When blood pressure rises, mechanisms are activated to lower it; when blood pressure falls, mechanisms are activated to raise it.

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    Peritubular space

    The fluid-filled area surrounding the renal tubule cells. It is a continuation of the interstitial fluid surrounding the kidneys.

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    Lumen

    The interior space within a hollow structure, like the renal tubule. It contains filtrate, which is the fluid that is filtered from the blood.

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    Apical membrane

    The cell membrane facing the lumen of the renal tubule.

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    Basolateral membrane

    The cell membrane facing the interstitial fluid and peritubular capillaries.

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    Transport maximum

    The maximum rate at which a substance can be transported across a membrane by carrier proteins.

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    Renal threshold

    The concentration of a substance in the plasma above which it begins to appear in the urine.

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    What is the role of carrier proteins in glucose reabsorption?

    Carrier proteins actively transport glucose across the apical membrane of the proximal tubule cells using secondary active transport. They then facilitate diffusion of glucose across the basolateral membrane.

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    Study Notes

    The Urinary System

    • The urinary system regulates plasma ionic composition, volume, osmolarity, and pH.
    • It removes metabolic wastes and foreign substances from the plasma.
    • Other functions include secreting erythropoietin and renin, activating vitamin D3 to calcitriol, and gluconeogenesis.

    Anatomy of the Urinary System

    • Structures of the urinary system:

      • Kidneys: form urine
      • Ureters: transport urine from kidneys to bladder
      • Bladder: stores urine
      • Urethra: excretes urine from bladder to outside of the body
    • Macroscopic anatomy of the kidneys:

      • Paired, bean-shaped organs
      • Approximate size of a fist (115-170 grams)
      • Retroperitoneal
    • Microscopic anatomy of the kidneys:

      • The nephron is the functional unit.
      • Renal corpuscle includes the glomerulus (a capillary network for filtration) and Bowman's capsule (receives filtrate).
      • Renal tubules include the proximal tubule, proximal convoluted tubule, proximal straight tubule, loop of Henle (descending and ascending limbs, thin and thick), distal convoluted tubule, connecting tubule, and collecting duct.
    • Blood supply to the kidneys:

      • Renal arteries enter the kidney at the hilus, receiving 20% of cardiac output at rest.
      • Account for less than 1% of body weight but for 16% of ATP usage by the body.
      • Function to filter blood
      • Renal veins exit at hilus
    • Cortical versus juxtamedullary nephrons:

      • Cortical nephrons: have short loops of Henle, most numerous (80-85%).
      • Juxtamedullary nephrons: have long loops of Henle extending into the medulla, responsible for the medullary osmotic gradient.

    Basic Renal Exchange Processes

    • Glomerular Filtration:

      • Movement of protein-free plasma from glomerulus to Bowman's capsule.
      • Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is 125 mL/min or 180 L/day.
      • The filtrate must cross three barriers: capillary endothelial layer, surrounding epithelial layer (podocytes), and basement membrane.
      • Starling forces govern glomerular filtration: glomerular capillary hydrostatic pressure (favors filtration), Bowman's capsule hydrostatic pressure (opposes filtration), glomerular oncotic pressure (opposes filtration), Bowman's capsule oncotic pressure (favors filtration).
        • The net filtration pressure is calculated as the sum of the forces favoring filtration minus the sum of the forces opposing filtration. This results in a net filtration pressure of 16 mm Hg.
    • Reabsorption: Movement from tubules into peritubular capillaries (returned to blood). Mostly occurs in the proximal tubules and is not usually regulated.

    • Secretion: Movement from peritubular capillaries into tubules. Barriers and transport mechanisms are similar to reabsorption, but in the opposite direction. Examples include substances like potassium, hydrogen ions, choline, creatinine, and penicillin.

    Regulation of GFR

    • Intrinsic regulation:

      • Myogenic regulation: smooth muscle in the afferent arteriole constricts in response to stretch.
      • Tubuloglomerular feedback: macula densa cells sense fluid flow and secrete paracrine factors to adjust afferent arteriole diameter.
    • Extrinsic regulation:

      • Decreases in blood pressure can decrease GFR, directly by decreasing filtration pressure and indirectly through extrinsic controls.

    Transport Maximum

    • The rate of transport when carriers are saturated. Renal Threshold: the plasma concentration where a solute's transport maximum is exceeded, causing some solute to be excreted in the urine.
    • Example of transport maximum: handling of glucose
      • Theoretical threshold: 300 mg/dL filtered load = 225 mg/min for glucose.
      • Actual threshold: approximately 160 - 180 mg/dL.

    Regional Specialization of the Renal Tubules

    • Nonregulated reabsorption in proximal tubules. Proximal tubule is the mass reabsorber of 70% sodium and 100% glucose, but the rate is not dependent on external regulation or feedback loops.

    • Regulated reabsorption and secretion in distal tubules and collecting ducts.

    • Water conservation in the loop of Henle. The loop of Henle creates conditions to concentrate urine, minimizing water loss.

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