Physiology - The Kidneys: Structure and Function Flashcards Preview

The Renal System > Physiology - The Kidneys: Structure and Function > Flashcards

Flashcards in Physiology - The Kidneys: Structure and Function Deck (21)
Loading flashcards...
1
Q

Which two types of things do kindeys exclusively excrete?

A

Metabolic waste products (e.g. urea, uric acid, bilirubin)

Foreign compounds (e.g. pesticides)

2
Q

Which two hormones can the kidneys secrete?

A

Erythropoietin

Renin

3
Q

What is the primary fucntion of the kidneys?

A

Regulate volume, composition and osmolarity of body fluids

4
Q

Which 3 functional mechanisms are required in the nephron?

A
  1. Filtration
  2. Reabsorption
  3. Secretion
5
Q

How does blood travel within the nephron?

A
  1. Renal artery
  2. Afferent arteriole
  3. Glomerulus
  4. Efferent arteriole
  5. Peritubular capillaries
  6. Venule
  7. Renal vein
6
Q

What is the term given to the first part of the nephron?

A

Bowman’s capsule

7
Q

What is the juxta-glomerular apparatus?

A

The region of the nephron where a small part of the distal tubule passes between the afferent and efferent arterioles

8
Q

At which point is urine produced?

A

At the collecting duct

(it undergoes no further change from here)

9
Q

What are the two types of nephrons found in the kidney?

A

Juxtamedullary (20%)

Cortical (80%

10
Q

What are the two differences between juxtamedullary and cortical nephons?

A

Loop of Henle is much longer in juxtamedullary nephron

Juxtamedullary nephron does not have peritubular capillaries but instead a single capillary - the vasa recta

11
Q

Which type of nephron produces the most concentrated urine?

A

Juxtamedullary nephron

12
Q

The diameter of the afferent arteriole is ________ than that of the efferent arteriole

A

The diameter of the afferent arteriole is greater than that of the efferent arteriole

13
Q

Which cells make up the inner layer of the Bowman’s capsule?

A

Podocytes

(Each cell has foot-like extensions which connect with each other forming filtration slits)

14
Q

What comprises the glomerular membrane?

A
  1. Podocytes
  2. Basement membrane (acellular)
  3. Endothelial cells (of glomerular capillary)
15
Q

What is the function of the granular cells in the juxtaglomerular apparatus?

A

Renin production

16
Q

Where can the macula densa cells be found?

A

Region of distal tubule at juxtaglomerular apparatus

17
Q

The macular densa cells are ______ sensing

A

The macular densa cells are salt sensing

18
Q

What percentage of blood plasma enters the Bowman’s capsule?

A

20%

19
Q

What is the normal GFR?

A

125ml/min

(this is an average and different greatly from person to person)

20
Q

How is the rate of secretion calculated?

A

Rate of excretion – rate of filtration

21
Q

How is rate of reabsorption calculated?

A

Rate of filtration – rate of excretion