Urinary System - Renal Function Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

Describe 6 functions of the kidneys.

Regulate ECF, Regulate osmolarity, Regulate pH, Maintain ion balance, Excrete waste, Produce hormones.

What is the basic function of the kidney?

Excretion of waste products resulting from protein metabolism and muscle contraction.

What is the basic function of the ureter?

Structure through which urine is conveyed from the kidney to the urinary bladder.

What is the basic function of the urinary bladder?

Collect the excreted filtrate until both sphincters relax and urine is expelled through the urethra. Signup and view all the answers

What is the basic function of the urethra?

The final structure through which urine passes after leaving the urinary bladder. Signup and view all the answers

What is the basic function of the renal capsule?

A smooth, transparent, fibrous membrane that surrounds, encloses, and protects the kidney. Signup and view all the answers

What is the basic function of the renal cortex?

The outer part of the kidney where Bowman's Capsules and glomeruli are located. Signup and view all the answers

What is the basic function of the renal medulla?

The inner part of the kidney. Signup and view all the answers

What is the basic function of the renal pyramids?

Approx. 5 - 18 striated triangular structures within the renal medulla of each kidney. Signup and view all the answers

What is the basic function of the renal columns?

A medullary extension of the renal cortex between the renal pyramids. Signup and view all the answers

What is the basic function of the renal papilla?

Many collecting ducts unite to drain urine into here, followed by the minor and major calyx. Signup and view all the answers

What is the basic function of the minor calyx?

Collecting structure for the renal papilla. Signup and view all the answers

What is the basic function of the major calyx?

Collecting structure for the minor calyx. Signup and view all the answers

What is the basic function of the renal pelvis?

The funnel-shaped basin that receives urine from the kidney nephrons. Signup and view all the answers

What is the basic function of the nephron?

The functional units of the kidneys, with approx. a million within each kidney. Signup and view all the answers

What is the basic function of the afferent arteriole?

Vessel that supports blood flow into the glomerulus. Signup and view all the answers

What is the basic function of the efferent arteriole?

Vessel that supports blood flow out of the glomerulus to the renal vein. Signup and view all the answers

What is the basic function of the glomerulus?

The fenestrated portion of arteriole for filtrate passage to be filtered. Signup and view all the answers

What is the basic function of the Bowman's capsule?

Structure that houses the glomerulus and captures the filtrate. Signup and view all the answers

What is the basic function of the proximal tubule?

Major site of reabsorption of water and solutes in equal proportions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the basic function of the descending Loop of Henle?

Permeable to water and carries the filtrate deep into the medulla. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Kidney Functions

Regulates extracellular fluid (ECF) volume and osmolarity to maintain homeostasis.
Maintains acid-base balance by regulating pH levels in the body.
Ensures ionic balance by controlling the levels of various ions.
Excretes waste products, including those from protein metabolism and muscle contraction.
Produces hormones, such as erythropoietin and renin, involved in blood pressure regulation and red blood cell production.

Basic Functions of Urinary Structures

Kidney: Main organ for waste excretion from protein metabolism and muscle activity.
Ureter: tubular structure that transmits urine from kidneys to urinary bladder.
Urinary Bladder: storage site for urine until released through relaxation of sphincters.
Urethra: final passage for urine expulsion from the urinary bladder.

Kidney Structure and Function

Capsule: Smooth, fibrous membrane enclosing the kidney; protects and maintains kidney shape, cushioned by fat for impact protection.
Cortex: Outer layer, reddish in color; site of Bowman's capsules, glomeruli, proximal and distal convoluted tubules.
Medulla: Inner region of the kidney; contains renal pyramids.

Renal Pyramids and Columns

Renal Pyramids: Striated triangular structures; approximately 5 to 18 per kidney, composed of straight tubules and blood vessels.
Renal Columns: Extensions of renal cortex separating pyramids; consist of blood vessels, urinary tubes, and fibrous tissue.

Urine Collection Structures

Renal Papilla: Drains urine from collecting ducts into the minor calyx.
Minor Calyx: Collects urine from renal papillae.
Major Calyx: Collects urine from multiple minor calyx.
Renal Pelvis: Funnel-shaped cavity receiving urine from collecting ducts, channels it to the ureter.

Nephron Structure and Function

Nephron: Functional unit of the kidney; approximately one million per kidney.
Afferent Arteriole: Supplies blood to the glomerulus for filtration.
Efferent Arteriole: Drains blood away from the glomerulus to the renal vein.
Glomerulus: Fenestrated capillary network allowing filtration through a basement membrane into Bowman's capsule.
Bowman's Capsule: Encloses the glomerulus, captures filtrate entering the proximal convoluted tubule.

Tubular Structures in the Nephron

Proximal Tubule: Major site for reabsorbing water and solutes in equal amounts from tubular fluid.
Descending Loop of Henle: Permits water permeability; located in the medulla, facilitating water reabsorption due to osmotic pressure differences.

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Description

Test your knowledge of the renal functions of the kidneys with these flashcards. Learn about their roles in regulating body fluids, maintaining ion balance, and hormone production. Perfect for students studying the urinary system.