1Describe the main functions of the renal system.
Maintenance of blood composition, pH, volume, pressure, osmolarity; excretion of waste; hormone production.
2Which blood vessels supply the kidneys?
Renal arteries supply and renal veins drain each kidney.
3What is the primary role of the nephron?
To filter blood, reabsorb water and nutrients, and secrete waste into urine.
4Where in the kidney does urine formation begin?
In the renal pyramids at the renal papilla.
5What are the three main processes in nephron physiology?
Glomerular filtration, reabsorption, and secretion.
6How much blood filtrate is produced daily?
150-180 liters of filtrate are produced, with only 1-2 liters of urine excreted.
7What hormone stimulates red blood cell production?
Erythropoietin.
8What is the role of juxtaglomerular cells?
They detect and regulate blood pressure in the glomerular capillaries
9What waste products are primarily found in urine?
Urea and creatinine.
10What is the reabsorption threshold for glucose?
320 mg/min.
11How does osmosis contribute to tubular reabsorption?
Water follows salt, allowing reabsorption through osmosis.
12What triggers the release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH)?
Increased blood osmolarity detected by hypothalamic osmoreceptors.
13What effect does aldosterone have on the nephron?
It increases NaCl reabsorption, leading to water retention.
14What structures make up the lower urinary tract?
The ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra.
15What is the renal hilum?
The concave medial border of the kidney where blood vessels, lymph vessels, and nerves enter.
16What surrounds the outer layer of the kidney?
A fibrous capsule.
17What hormone is part of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS)?
Renin.
18What is glomerular filtration?
The process by which water and solutes are filtered from blood into the nephron.
19What substances are reabsorbed by the nephron?
Sodium (Na+), chloride (Cl-), water, glucose, amino acids, and other ions.
20What substances are secreted into the filtrate in the nephron?
Hydrogen ions (H+), potassium ions (K+), creatinine, and certain drugs.
21How does the body respond to elevated blood creatinine levels?
It may indicate kidney filtration issues.
22What happens if proteins, glucose, or blood are found in urine?
It may signal underlying pathology.
23What is the role of aldosterone in blood pressure regulation?
It promotes NaCl reabsorption, leading to water retention and increased blood pressure.
24What organs are involved in the RAAS pathway besides the kidneys?
The liver, lungs, and blood vessel endothelium.
25Where is antidiuretic hormone (ADH) released from?
The pituitary gland.