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?
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What is the basic function of the urethra?
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What is the basic function of the renal capsule?
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What is the basic function of the renal cortex?
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What is the basic function of the renal medulla?
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What is the basic function of the renal pyramids?
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What is the basic function of the renal columns?
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What is the basic function of the renal papilla?
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What is the basic function of the minor calyx?
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What is the basic function of the major calyx?
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What is the basic function of the renal pelvis?
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What is the basic function of the nephron?
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What is the basic function of the afferent arteriole?
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What is the basic function of the efferent arteriole?
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What is the basic function of the glomerulus?
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What is the basic function of the Bowman's capsule?
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What is the basic function of the proximal tubule?
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What is the basic function of the descending Loop of Henle?
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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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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.