Urinary System Functions
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary role of the urinary system?

  • To absorb nutrients
  • To produce hormones
  • To digest food
  • To ensure optimal properties of blood (correct)
  • What is one of the functions of the kidneys in regulating the balance between water and electrolytes?

  • Regulating the levels of inorganic ions such as sodium (correct)
  • Reabsorbing bicarbonate from urine
  • Excreting hydrogen ions from urine
  • Producing vitamin D
  • What is the role of the kidneys in maintaining pH balance?

  • Excreting hydrogen ions and reabsorbing bicarbonate from urine (correct)
  • Releasing excess water and electrolytes
  • Maintaining blood pressure
  • Synthesizing glucose from amino acids
  • What is the function of the enzyme renin?

    <p>To help increase blood pressure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the kidneys in conversion of vitamin D?

    <p>To convert vitamin D to its active form, calcitriol</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do the kidneys do during periods of fasting or starvation?

    <p>They perform gluconeogenesis, synthesizing glucose from amino acids</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the hilum in the kidneys?

    <p>Where nerves enter and ureter exits</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What covers the kidneys?

    <p>A thin fibrous layer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the outer layer of the kidney composed of?

    <p>Fibroblasts and collagen fibers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the renal pelvis?

    <p>To collect and transport urine</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for the darker outer region of the kidney?

    <p>Renal cortex</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the glomerulus?

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

    What is the term for the space within Bowman's capsule?

    <p>Bowman's space</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the proximal convoluted tubule?

    <p>To reabsorb water and ions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for the process of transporting substances from the blood into the tubular fluid?

    <p>Tubular secretion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for the U-shaped structure in the nephron?

    <p>Loop of Henle</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the final segment of the nephron?

    <p>Collecting duct</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for the functional units that filter blood and form urine?

    <p>Nephrons</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main function of the loop of Henle?

    <p>To reabsorb essential substances</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of epithelium lines the thin descending limb of the loop of Henle?

    <p>Simple squamous epithelium</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the ureters?

    <p>To transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of muscle layer is found in the muscularis of the ureters?

    <p>Smooth muscle</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the detrusor muscle in the urinary bladder?

    <p>To expel urine during micturition</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of epithelium lines the urinary bladder?

    <p>Transitional epithelium</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the urothelium?

    <p>To protect underlying tissues from the toxic effects of urine</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main function of the urethra?

    <p>To transport urine from the bladder to the exterior</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of peristalsis in the ureters?

    <p>To move urine efficiently through the ureters</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the umbrella cells in the urothelium?

    <p>To protect underlying tissues from the toxic effects of urine</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the renal arteries?

    <p>To transport oxygenated blood from the heart and aorta to the kidneys</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the glomerulus?

    <p>To filter blood from the renal arteries</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the efferent arterioles?

    <p>To transport filtered blood from the glomerulus to the peritubular capillaries</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the visceral layer of the glomerular capsule?

    <p>To support the capillaries in the glomerulus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the mesangial cells?

    <p>To provide structural support to the glomerular capillaries</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the proximal convoluted tubule?

    <p>To reabsorb ions and water in the nephron</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the peritubular capillaries?

    <p>To transport filtered blood from the glomerulus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the podocytes?

    <p>To create the filtration apparatus of the kidney</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the interlobular arteries?

    <p>To transport oxygenated blood from the renal arteries to the cortex</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the arcuate arteries?

    <p>To run at the base of each pyramid in the renal pelvis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the kidneys in regulating the balance between water and electrolytes?

    <p>Maintaining proper cell functioning and muscle contraction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the kidneys in excretion of metabolic wastes?

    <p>Filtering out waste products and secreting excess water and electrolytes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the enzyme renin?

    <p>Helping in increasing blood pressure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the kidneys during periods of fasting or starvation?

    <p>Synthesizing glucose from amino acids</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the outer layer of the kidney composed of?

    <p>A thin fibrous layer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the ureters?

    <p>Transporting urine from the kidneys to the bladder</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the kidneys in maintaining blood pressure?

    <p>Helping to increase blood pressure through the secretion of renin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the kidneys in converting vitamin D?

    <p>Converting vitamin D to its active form, calcitriol</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of myofibroblasts in the kidney?

    <p>To resist volume and pressure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the name of the region surrounding the renal pelvis and calyces?

    <p>Adipose tissue</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for the parallel rays extending from the medulla into the cortex?

    <p>Medullary rays</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the Bowman's capsule?

    <p>To collect the filtrate from the blood</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for the process of transporting substances from the tubular fluid back into the blood?

    <p>Tubular reabsorption</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the ascending limb of the loop of Henle?

    <p>To reabsorb salts and dilute the filtrate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for the functional units that filter blood and form urine?

    <p>Nephrons</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the distal convoluted tubule in the nephron?

    <p>To continue to reabsorb ions and water</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for the process of transporting substances from the blood into the tubular fluid?

    <p>Tubular secretion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the final segment of the nephron that receives filtrate from multiple nephrons?

    <p>Collecting duct</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the renal corpuscle?

    <p>To filter waste and excess substances from the blood</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the name of the epithelial capsule that surrounds the glomerulus?

    <p>Glomerular capsule</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the mesangial cells in the glomerulus?

    <p>To provide structural support to the glomerulus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the name of the capillary network that surrounds the proximal convoluted tubule?

    <p>Peritubular capillaries</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for the space between the visceral and parietal layers of the glomerular capsule?

    <p>Capsular space</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the podocytes in the glomerulus?

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

    What is the name of the arteries that branch from the renal arteries and enter the renal cortex?

    <p>Interlobular arteries</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the slit diaphragms in the glomerulus?

    <p>To regulate the passage of substances during filtration</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for the network of capillary loops that surround the loops of Henle and collecting ducts?

    <p>Vasa recta</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the proximal convoluted tubule cells?

    <p>To reabsorb and secrete substances</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the cells lining the distal convoluted tubule?

    <p>Reabsorption of essential substances</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which layer of the urinary bladder wall allows for its expansion?

    <p>Muscularis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of epithelium lines the ureters?

    <p>Transitional epithelium</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the umbrella cells in the urothelium?

    <p>To protect underlying cells from urine's hypertonicity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of muscle layer is found in the muscularis of the ureters?

    <p>Smooth muscle</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the urethra in males?

    <p>To serve as a conduit for semen during ejaculation and conduct urine from the bladder to the exterior</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for the rhythmic contractions of the ureter walls that move urine efficiently?

    <p>Peristalsis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main function of the urinary bladder?

    <p>To store urine until the volume reaches a threshold</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of epithelium lines the thin ascending limb of the loop of Henle?

    <p>Simple squamous epithelium</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the transitional epithelium in the urinary system?

    <p>To protect underlying tissues from the toxic effects of urine</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary mechanism by which the kidneys regulate the acid-base balance?

    <p>Excreting hydrogen ions and reabsorbing bicarbonate from urine</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following processes is NOT a primary function of the kidneys?

    <p>Producing hormones that regulate heart rate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the name of the enzyme secreted by the kidneys that helps increase blood pressure?

    <p>Renin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During periods of fasting or starvation, what process do the kidneys perform to help maintain blood sugar levels?

    <p>Gluconeogenesis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for the process by which the kidneys filter out waste products and excess water and electrolytes from the blood?

    <p>Excretion</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Secreting renin to stimulate the production of angiotensin II</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for the process by which the kidneys convert vitamin D to its active form?

    <p>Calcitriol synthesis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the structure through which nerves enter the kidney and the ureter exits?

    <p>Hilum</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main function of the fibroblasts in the kidney?

    <p>To provide structural support to the kidney</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following structures is responsible for the initial filtration of blood?

    <p>Renal corpuscle</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main function of the renal medulla?

    <p>To process and concentrate the filtrate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for the process of reabsorbing essential substances from the tubular fluid back into the blood?

    <p>Tubular reabsorption</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following hormones regulates sodium reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule?

    <p>Aldosterone</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the interlobar arteries?

    <p>To branch into arcuate arteries</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the visceral layer of the glomerular capsule?

    <p>To form the filtration apparatus of the kidney</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for the functional units that collect and transport urine from the kidneys to the urinary bladder?

    <p>Ureters</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the mesangial cells?

    <p>To provide structural support to the glomerulus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the renal cortex?

    <p>To filter blood and form urine</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following structures separates the renal pyramids?

    <p>Renal columns</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the peritubular capillaries?

    <p>To form a secondary capillary network in the cortex</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the podocytes?

    <p>To form the filtration apparatus of the kidney</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for the process of transporting substances from the blood into the tubular fluid?

    <p>Tubular secretion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following structures is responsible for the final concentration of urine?

    <p>Collecting duct</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the arcuate arteries?

    <p>To divide into interlobular arteries</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the efferent arterioles?

    <p>To form a secondary capillary network in the cortex</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the glomerular capsule?

    <p>To receive the fluid filtered through the capillaries</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the renal corpuscle?

    <p>To form the functional unit of the nephron</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the interlobar arteries?

    <p>To branch into arcuate arteries</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the thin descending limb and thin ascending limb in the loop of Henle?

    <p>To support the reabsorption of essential substances into the bloodstream</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the characteristic of the epithelial cells in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle?

    <p>They are cuboidal and have many mitochondria</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the distal convoluted tubule?

    <p>To perform regulated reabsorption under the influence of aldosterone</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the characteristic of the muscularis layer in the ureters?

    <p>It is composed of smooth muscle</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the urothelium?

    <p>To protect underlying tissues from the toxic effects of urine</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the characteristic of the detrusor muscle in the urinary bladder?

    <p>It is composed of smooth muscle</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the umbrella cells in the urothelium?

    <p>To protect underlying tissues from the toxic effects of urine</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the characteristic of the epithelial cells in the urethra?

    <p>They are transitional and have umbrella cells</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the urinary bladder?

    <p>To store urine and expel it during micturition</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the mechanism by which the ureters transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder?

    <p>Peristalsis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    The Urinary System

    • Consists of: 2 kidneys, 2 ureters, bladder, and urethra
    • Primary role: Ensure optimal blood properties, regulate water and electrolyte balance, and excrete metabolic wastes and bioactive substances

    Functions of the Urinary System

    • Regulate water and electrolyte balance
    • Excrete metabolic wastes, excess water, and electrolytes in urine
    • Excrete bioactive substances, including drugs
    • Secretion of renin, erythropoietin, and vitamin D
    • Maintain pH levels and regulate blood pressure

    Kidneys

    • Covered by a thin fibrous layer, with an outer layer of fibroblasts and collagen fibers, and an inner layer of myofibroblasts
    • Hilum: where nerves enter and ureter exits
    • Renal pelvis: divides into 2-3 major calyces, which then turn into minor calyces
    • Renal cortex: outer darker region containing renal corpuscles and tubules
    • Renal medulla: inner region consisting of aligned linear tubules and ducts
    • Renal pyramids: 8-15, with bases meeting at the cortex by the corticomedullary junction

    Nephron

    • Functional unit that filters blood and forms urine
    • Consists of a renal corpuscle and a long renal tubule
    • Renal corpuscle: glomerulus and Bowman's capsule
    • Glomerulus: a tuft of capillaries where blood filtration begins
    • Bowman's capsule: a double-walled capsule that surrounds the glomerulus and collects the filtrate

    Renal Tubule

    • Divided into several segments, each with specific functions in processing the filtrate
    • Proximal convoluted tubule (PCT): reabsorbs a majority of the filtrate, including water, ions, and nutrients
    • Loop of Henle: a U-shaped structure that extends into the medulla
    • Distal convoluted tubule (DCT): continues to reabsorb ions and water, under the influence of hormones
    • Collecting duct: the final segment that receives filtrate from multiple nephrons

    Nephron Functions

    • Filtration: occurs in the renal corpuscle, where blood pressure forces water and small solutes through the glomerular capillary walls
    • Tubular reabsorption: substances are transported from the tubular fluid back into the blood
    • Tubular secretion: substances are transported from the blood into the tubular fluid

    Blood Flow in the Kidneys

    • Renal arteries: transport oxygenated blood from the heart and aorta to the kidneys
    • Renal veins: transport filtered deoxygenated blood from the kidneys to the heart
    • Interlobular arteries: radiate from the arcuate arteries, extending deep into the cortex
    • Afferent arterioles: lead into the glomerulus, and efferent arterioles exit from the glomerulus

    Renal Corpuscle

    • Contains a tuft of capillaries called glomerulus, surrounded by a epithelial capsule called the glomerular capsule
    • Glomerular capsule: has a visceral layer and a parietal layer, with a capsular space between them
    • Podocytes: stellate epithelium that creates the filtration apparatus of the kidney
    • Slit pores: regulate the passage of substances during filtration

    Proximal Convoluted Tubule (PCT)

    • Cells are highly specialized for reabsorption and secretion
    • Structure: dense brush border, abundant mitochondria, and extensive membrane invaginations
    • Function: reabsorbs a majority of the filtrate, including water, ions, and nutrients

    Loop of Henle

    • Located in the medulla
    • Thin descending limb and thin ascending limb: simple squamous epithelium and organelles
    • Thick ascending limb: simple cuboidal epithelium and many mitochondria

    Distal Convoluted Tubule (DCT)

    • Lined with simple cuboidal cells that are smaller and flatter compared to the ones in the PCT
    • Function: performs regulated reabsorption while influenced by the hormone aldosterone

    Ureters

    • Muscular tubes that transport urine from the renal pelvis to the urinary bladder
    • Structure: mucosa, muscularis, and adventitia
    • Function: move urine towards the bladder via peristaltic contractions and prevent backflow into the kidneys

    Urinary Bladder

    • Structure: mucosa, muscularis, and adventitia
    • Function: stores urine and expels it during micturition

    Urothelium (Transitional Epithelium)

    • Found in the renal pelvis, ureters, bladder, and parts of the urethra
    • Structure: basal cells, intermediate cells, and umbrella cells
    • Function: protects underlying tissues from the toxic effects of urine and allows the bladder to stretch and contract

    Urethra

    • Structure: varies in males and females, but includes a prostatic urethra, membranous urethra, and spongy urethra
    • Function: conducts urine from the bladder to the exterior, and in males, serves as a conduit for semen during ejaculation

    The Urinary System

    • Consists of: 2 kidneys, 2 ureters, bladder, and urethra
    • Primary role: Ensure optimal blood properties, regulate water and electrolyte balance, and excrete metabolic wastes and bioactive substances

    Functions of the Urinary System

    • Regulate water and electrolyte balance
    • Excrete metabolic wastes, excess water, and electrolytes in urine
    • Excrete bioactive substances, including drugs
    • Secretion of renin, erythropoietin, and vitamin D
    • Maintain pH levels and regulate blood pressure

    Kidneys

    • Covered by a thin fibrous layer, with an outer layer of fibroblasts and collagen fibers, and an inner layer of myofibroblasts
    • Hilum: where nerves enter and ureter exits
    • Renal pelvis: divides into 2-3 major calyces, which then turn into minor calyces
    • Renal cortex: outer darker region containing renal corpuscles and tubules
    • Renal medulla: inner region consisting of aligned linear tubules and ducts
    • Renal pyramids: 8-15, with bases meeting at the cortex by the corticomedullary junction

    Nephron

    • Functional unit that filters blood and forms urine
    • Consists of a renal corpuscle and a long renal tubule
    • Renal corpuscle: glomerulus and Bowman's capsule
    • Glomerulus: a tuft of capillaries where blood filtration begins
    • Bowman's capsule: a double-walled capsule that surrounds the glomerulus and collects the filtrate

    Renal Tubule

    • Divided into several segments, each with specific functions in processing the filtrate
    • Proximal convoluted tubule (PCT): reabsorbs a majority of the filtrate, including water, ions, and nutrients
    • Loop of Henle: a U-shaped structure that extends into the medulla
    • Distal convoluted tubule (DCT): continues to reabsorb ions and water, under the influence of hormones
    • Collecting duct: the final segment that receives filtrate from multiple nephrons

    Nephron Functions

    • Filtration: occurs in the renal corpuscle, where blood pressure forces water and small solutes through the glomerular capillary walls
    • Tubular reabsorption: substances are transported from the tubular fluid back into the blood
    • Tubular secretion: substances are transported from the blood into the tubular fluid

    Blood Flow in the Kidneys

    • Renal arteries: transport oxygenated blood from the heart and aorta to the kidneys
    • Renal veins: transport filtered deoxygenated blood from the kidneys to the heart
    • Interlobular arteries: radiate from the arcuate arteries, extending deep into the cortex
    • Afferent arterioles: lead into the glomerulus, and efferent arterioles exit from the glomerulus

    Renal Corpuscle

    • Contains a tuft of capillaries called glomerulus, surrounded by a epithelial capsule called the glomerular capsule
    • Glomerular capsule: has a visceral layer and a parietal layer, with a capsular space between them
    • Podocytes: stellate epithelium that creates the filtration apparatus of the kidney
    • Slit pores: regulate the passage of substances during filtration

    Proximal Convoluted Tubule (PCT)

    • Cells are highly specialized for reabsorption and secretion
    • Structure: dense brush border, abundant mitochondria, and extensive membrane invaginations
    • Function: reabsorbs a majority of the filtrate, including water, ions, and nutrients

    Loop of Henle

    • Located in the medulla
    • Thin descending limb and thin ascending limb: simple squamous epithelium and organelles
    • Thick ascending limb: simple cuboidal epithelium and many mitochondria

    Distal Convoluted Tubule (DCT)

    • Lined with simple cuboidal cells that are smaller and flatter compared to the ones in the PCT
    • Function: performs regulated reabsorption while influenced by the hormone aldosterone

    Ureters

    • Muscular tubes that transport urine from the renal pelvis to the urinary bladder
    • Structure: mucosa, muscularis, and adventitia
    • Function: move urine towards the bladder via peristaltic contractions and prevent backflow into the kidneys

    Urinary Bladder

    • Structure: mucosa, muscularis, and adventitia
    • Function: stores urine and expels it during micturition

    Urothelium (Transitional Epithelium)

    • Found in the renal pelvis, ureters, bladder, and parts of the urethra
    • Structure: basal cells, intermediate cells, and umbrella cells
    • Function: protects underlying tissues from the toxic effects of urine and allows the bladder to stretch and contract

    Urethra

    • Structure: varies in males and females, but includes a prostatic urethra, membranous urethra, and spongy urethra
    • Function: conducts urine from the bladder to the exterior, and in males, serves as a conduit for semen during ejaculation

    The Urinary System

    • Consists of: 2 kidneys, 2 ureters, bladder, and urethra
    • Primary role: Ensure optimal blood properties, regulate water and electrolyte balance, and excrete metabolic wastes and bioactive substances

    Functions of the Urinary System

    • Regulate water and electrolyte balance
    • Excrete metabolic wastes, excess water, and electrolytes in urine
    • Excrete bioactive substances, including drugs
    • Secretion of renin, erythropoietin, and vitamin D
    • Maintain pH levels and regulate blood pressure

    Kidneys

    • Covered by a thin fibrous layer, with an outer layer of fibroblasts and collagen fibers, and an inner layer of myofibroblasts
    • Hilum: where nerves enter and ureter exits
    • Renal pelvis: divides into 2-3 major calyces, which then turn into minor calyces
    • Renal cortex: outer darker region containing renal corpuscles and tubules
    • Renal medulla: inner region consisting of aligned linear tubules and ducts
    • Renal pyramids: 8-15, with bases meeting at the cortex by the corticomedullary junction

    Nephron

    • Functional unit that filters blood and forms urine
    • Consists of a renal corpuscle and a long renal tubule
    • Renal corpuscle: glomerulus and Bowman's capsule
    • Glomerulus: a tuft of capillaries where blood filtration begins
    • Bowman's capsule: a double-walled capsule that surrounds the glomerulus and collects the filtrate

    Renal Tubule

    • Divided into several segments, each with specific functions in processing the filtrate
    • Proximal convoluted tubule (PCT): reabsorbs a majority of the filtrate, including water, ions, and nutrients
    • Loop of Henle: a U-shaped structure that extends into the medulla
    • Distal convoluted tubule (DCT): continues to reabsorb ions and water, under the influence of hormones
    • Collecting duct: the final segment that receives filtrate from multiple nephrons

    Nephron Functions

    • Filtration: occurs in the renal corpuscle, where blood pressure forces water and small solutes through the glomerular capillary walls
    • Tubular reabsorption: substances are transported from the tubular fluid back into the blood
    • Tubular secretion: substances are transported from the blood into the tubular fluid

    Blood Flow in the Kidneys

    • Renal arteries: transport oxygenated blood from the heart and aorta to the kidneys
    • Renal veins: transport filtered deoxygenated blood from the kidneys to the heart
    • Interlobular arteries: radiate from the arcuate arteries, extending deep into the cortex
    • Afferent arterioles: lead into the glomerulus, and efferent arterioles exit from the glomerulus

    Renal Corpuscle

    • Contains a tuft of capillaries called glomerulus, surrounded by a epithelial capsule called the glomerular capsule
    • Glomerular capsule: has a visceral layer and a parietal layer, with a capsular space between them
    • Podocytes: stellate epithelium that creates the filtration apparatus of the kidney
    • Slit pores: regulate the passage of substances during filtration

    Proximal Convoluted Tubule (PCT)

    • Cells are highly specialized for reabsorption and secretion
    • Structure: dense brush border, abundant mitochondria, and extensive membrane invaginations
    • Function: reabsorbs a majority of the filtrate, including water, ions, and nutrients

    Loop of Henle

    • Located in the medulla
    • Thin descending limb and thin ascending limb: simple squamous epithelium and organelles
    • Thick ascending limb: simple cuboidal epithelium and many mitochondria

    Distal Convoluted Tubule (DCT)

    • Lined with simple cuboidal cells that are smaller and flatter compared to the ones in the PCT
    • Function: performs regulated reabsorption while influenced by the hormone aldosterone

    Ureters

    • Muscular tubes that transport urine from the renal pelvis to the urinary bladder
    • Structure: mucosa, muscularis, and adventitia
    • Function: move urine towards the bladder via peristaltic contractions and prevent backflow into the kidneys

    Urinary Bladder

    • Structure: mucosa, muscularis, and adventitia
    • Function: stores urine and expels it during micturition

    Urothelium (Transitional Epithelium)

    • Found in the renal pelvis, ureters, bladder, and parts of the urethra
    • Structure: basal cells, intermediate cells, and umbrella cells
    • Function: protects underlying tissues from the toxic effects of urine and allows the bladder to stretch and contract

    Urethra

    • Structure: varies in males and females, but includes a prostatic urethra, membranous urethra, and spongy urethra
    • Function: conducts urine from the bladder to the exterior, and in males, serves as a conduit for semen during ejaculation

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    Description

    This quiz covers the key components and functions of the urinary system, including regulating water and electrolyte balance and excreting metabolic wastes and bioactive substances.

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