Urinary System Anatomy Flashcards

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the fibrous capsule that prevents kidney infection?

Adipose capsule

Cortex

Renal fascia

Renal capsule (correct)

What are the two types of nephrons and their percentage?

Cortical nephrons - 85%; Juxtamedullary nephrons - 15%

What is the structural and functional unit of the kidney?

Nephron

What is the chief force pushing water and solutes out of the blood into the glomerular capsule?

Hydrostatic pressure and osmotic pressure Signup and view all the answers

What is the filtration membrane and what is it made of?

A filter that lies between the blood and the interior of the glomerular capsule; composed of fenestrated capillary, podocytes, and basement membrane. Signup and view all the answers

What is Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)?

The total amount of filtrate formed per minute by the kidneys. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to nutrients when the nutrient abundance is higher?

They are excreted. Signup and view all the answers

How does the urinary bladder anatomy support its storage function?

As urine accumulates, the bladder expands without significant rise in internal pressure. Signup and view all the answers

What can trigger the initiation of micturition?

A decrease in plasma volume by 10%-15% and an increase in plasma osmolarity. Signup and view all the answers

Osmotic pressure is higher in blood plasma than in _____

renal filtrate Signup and view all the answers

What are the main functions of the ureter, bladder, and urethra?

Transport urine, store urine, and facilitate excretion of urine. Signup and view all the answers

Why are salts important in your body?

Neuromuscular excitability, secretory activity, membrane permeability, and controlling fluid movements. Signup and view all the answers

What hormone is released when the blood becomes hypertonic?

ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone) Signup and view all the answers

What is alkalosis?

A condition caused by hyperventilation leading to reduced hydrogen ion concentration. Signup and view all the answers

What are the sources of gain or loss of water in the body?

Gain: 2.3 L from ingestion, 0.7 L from foods, 0.2 L from metabolism; Loss: 1.5 L from urine, 0.6 L from perspiration, 0.3 L from lungs, 0.1 L from GI. Signup and view all the answers

Match the following parts of the nephron with their functions:

Glomerulus = Blood filtration Proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) = Reabsorption of nutrients Loop of Henle = Concentration of urine Distal convoluted tubule (DCT) = Regulation of ions and pH Signup and view all the answers

The kidneys assist in maintaining acid-base balance.

True Signup and view all the answers

Extracellular fluids have a low sodium content compared to intracellular fluids.

False Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Kidney Membranes

Renal capsule: A fibrous layer that protects against infection.
Adipose capsule: Fatty tissue providing cushioning and anchorage.
Renal fascia: A dense outer layer securing the kidney in place.

Anatomy of the Kidney

Cortex: The outer, light-colored, granular region.
Medulla: Contains cone-shaped medullary pyramids, essential for urine formation.
Renal pelvis: Funnel-shaped tube that collects urine from major calyces.
Calyces:
- Major calyces collect urine from minor calyces.
- Minor calyces interface with renal papillae to gather urine.
Renal corpuscle: Comprising glomerulus and Bowman's capsule, responsible for initial blood filtration.
Renal hilum: Entry point for vessels, nerves, and ureters.

Blood Flow Through the Kidney

Blood circulates from aorta to:
- Renal artery → Segmental artery → Interlobar artery → Arcuate artery → Cortical radiate artery → Afferent arteriole → Glomerulus → Efferent arteriole → Peritubular capillaries/vasa recta → Cortical radiate vein → Arcuate vein → Interlobar vein → Renal vein → Inferior vena cava.

Nephron Structure

Nephron: The fundamental structural and functional unit of the kidney, consisting of the glomerulus and renal tubules.

Filtration, Reabsorption, and Secretion

Filtration: Removes waste while retaining essential substances.
Reabsorption: Transfers ions from filtrate back to the bloodstream.
Secretion: Eliminates unwanted substances and helps maintain blood pH.

Glomerular Blood Pressure

Glomerulus has higher filtration membrane permeability and blood pressure compared to other capillaries.
Plasma proteins are retained in blood, contributing to oncotic pressure.

Filtration Mechanism

Hydrostatic pressure: The primary force driving filtration.
Filtration membrane: Composed of fenestrated capillaries, podocytes, and a basement membrane facilitating the selective passage of substances.

Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)

Normal GFR ranges between 120-125 ml/min.
Changes in GFR affect the reabsorption of substances; excessively high or low GFR obstructs optimal renal function.

Types of Nephrons

Cortical nephrons: Constitute 85% of nephrons, primarily in the cortex with short loops of Henle.
Juxtamedullary nephrons: Positioned at the cortex-medulla junction, crucial for producing concentrated urine.

Renal Hormones

Hormones like ADH and aldosterone regulate kidney functions, affecting water and sodium balance.

Ureter, Bladder, and Urethra Functions

Ureters transport urine; bladder stores urine; urethra expels urine from the body.

Urine Characteristics

Fresh urine is pale yellow; changes in color or odor can indicate conditions.
Typical pH is slightly acidic, with specific gravity indicating solute concentration.

Water Gain and Loss

Main sources of water gain: Ingestion, food, and metabolism.
Loss occurs through urine, perspiration, respiration, and gastrointestinal system.

Body Fluid Compartments

Intracellular fluid (ICF): Majority of body water found within cells.
Extracellular fluid (ECF): Includes plasma and interstitial fluid, containing less water than ICF.

Hydrogen Ion Regulation

Managed through buffering systems (bicarbonate, phosphate, protein) and organ mechanisms (lungs and kidneys).

Acidosis and Alkalosis

Most common acid-base imbalance is respiratory acidosis.
Infants with colic can experience respiratory alkalosis due to hyperventilation.

Functions of the Kidneys

A WET BED: Refers to Acid-base balance, Water removal, Erythropoiesis, Toxin removal, Blood pressure control, Electrolyte balance, and Vitamin D activation.

Urine Formation Pathway

Follows path: Glomerulus → Glomerular capsule → PCT → Nephron Loop → DCT → Collecting Duct → Papilla → Minor calyx → Major calyx → Renal pelvis → Ureters → Bladder → Urethra.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge of the urinary system with these flashcards, focusing on the anatomy and protective membranes of the kidneys. Learn about the renal capsule, adipose capsule, and renal fascia, along with various parts of the kidney such as calyces and cortex. Perfect for students studying human anatomy.