RENAL SYSTEM

• What is the purpose of the renal system?

  To regulate body fluids and waste removal
• What does the renal system consist of?

  Kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra
• Why is the right kidney positioned lower than the left?

  Due to the presence of the liver
• How much of the cardiac output do the kidneys receive?

  About 20-25%
• From which major artery do the renal arteries arise?

  Aorta
• What are the functions of the kidney?

  Regulate water, pH, ions, and blood pressure
• What is the role of the nephron?

  Most reabsorption occurs here
• What is the juxtaglomerular apparatus?

  Structure formed by DCT and afferent arteriole
• What is the role of the juxtaglomerular complex?

  Regulate blood pressure and filtration rate
• What are the steps in urine formation?

  1. Glomerular filtration
  2. Selective reabsorption
  3. Tubular secretion
• What is glomerular filtration?

  Process of filtering blood in the kidneys
• What is hydrostatic pressure?

  Pressure exerted by fluid in the glomerulus
• What is plasma colloid osmotic pressure?

  Pressure from proteins pulling water into circulation
• What happens to GFR when the afferent arteriole is constricted?

  GFR decreases
• What happens to GFR when the efferent arteriole is constricted?

  GFR increases
• What effect does high osmotic pressure in glomerular plasma have on GFR?

  GFR decreases
• What happens to GFR when hydrostatic pressure in the glomerular capsule is high?

  GFR decreases
• What is the renin-angiotensin system?

  A hormone system regulating blood pressure
• What stimulates the kidney to secrete renin?

  Drop in blood pressure, sympathetic stimulation, low chloride
• What does the juxtaglomerular complex detect?

  Changes in chloride levels
• Why is selective reabsorption necessary?

  To retain essential substances and water
• Where does selective reabsorption primarily occur?

  Proximal convoluted tubule and loop of Henle
• What role do microvilli play in the nephron?

  Increase surface area for reabsorption
• How does urine composition differ from initial filtrate?

  It has a different composition due to reabsorption
• What hormone stimulates sodium reabsorption?

  Aldosterone
• What are the main components of urine?

  Urea, chloride, sodium, and water
• What is the concentration of urea in urine?

  1820 mg/100ml
• What is the concentration of chloride in urine?

  134 mEq/L
• What is the concentration of sodium in urine?

  128 mEq/L
• What is the role of the nephron components?

  To filter blood and form urine
• What are some extra resources for studying the renal system?

  • Holes
  • Khan Academy
  • Coad, Pedley, and Dunstall (2020)