Urinary System: Structure and Functions

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What is the primary function of the kidneys in maintaining normal body fluid levels?

Regulating the excretion of water and sodium chloride (correct)

Producing and secreting erythropoietin

Regulating the excretion of potassium and calcium

Regulating the acid-base balance by excreting bicarbonate

What is the result of enzyme secretion by the kidneys in response to low blood pressure?

Water retention and increased blood pressure (correct)

Water elimination and decreased blood pressure

Na+ and K+ balance regulation

Electrolyte/ion balance regulation

Which of the following ions is NOT regulated by the urinary system?

Chloride (Cl-)

Sodium (Na+)

Magnesium (Mg2+) (correct)

Hydrogen (H+)

What is the primary function of the kidneys in regulating blood glucose levels?

Producing and releasing glucose into the bloodstream Signup and view all the answers

What is the location of the kidneys in the body?

Retroperitoneal, between T12 and L3, partially protected by ribs 11 and 12 Signup and view all the answers

What is the functional unit of the kidney?

Nephron Signup and view all the answers

What is the percentage of resting cardiac output that the kidneys receive?

20-25% Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the kidneys' regulation of acid-base balance?

Maintaining a strict pH range Signup and view all the answers

What is the glomerulus?

A tangled ball-like network of capillaries Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the kidneys in waste excretion?

Excreting metabolic by-products not needed by the body Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of increased blood volume on GFR?

Increases GFR Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of angiotensin II in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system?

It stimulates the release of aldosterone Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of ANP on sodium and water excretion?

It increases excretion of sodium and water Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the internal urethral sphincter?

It controls the flow of urine from the bladder into the urethra Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the micturition reflex?

The bladder contracts and the internal sphincter relaxes Signup and view all the answers

Why does urinary incontinence occur in individuals with nerve damage?

Due to diminished voluntary control over micturition Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of aging on the kidneys?

Kidney size decreases and function declines Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of dialysis?

To artificially cleanse the blood Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of diuretics on the body?

They decrease the reabsorption of water and ions Signup and view all the answers

What happens to renal blood flow and GFR with aging?

They decrease with age Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the glomerulus in the nephron?

Filtration of blood plasma Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the fluid that enters the glomerular (Bowman's) capsule space?

Glomerular filtrate Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of increased renal blood flow on glomerular filtration rate?

Increased GFR Signup and view all the answers

What is the mechanism by which the body regulates GFR in response to changes in blood pressure?

Combination of renal auto-regulation, neural regulation, and hormonal regulation Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of SyNS activation on renal blood flow and GFR?

Decreased renal blood flow and GFR Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in the regulation of GFR?

Reduced GFR Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the amount of filtrate formed per minute in the glomerulus?

Glomerular filtration rate Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of increased GFR on urine production?

Increased urine production Signup and view all the answers

What is the mechanism by which the body adjusts blood flow into and out of the glomerulus to regulate GFR?

Renal auto-regulation Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of angiotensin II on renal blood flow and GFR?

Vasoconstriction of afferent arteriole Signup and view all the answers