Renal system

• What is the primary function of the kidneys?

  Produce urine through filtration, reabsorption, secretion
• What is the role of the ureter in the urinary system?

  Carry urine from kidneys to urinary bladder
• What is the capacity of the urinary bladder?

  400-500 ml
• What is the function of the urethra?

  Allows urine to leave the bladder
• How many kidneys are there in the human body?

  Two kidneys
• Where are the kidneys located?

  On either side of the vertebral column
• What is the average size of a kidney?

  11 x 7 x 3 cm
• Why is the right kidney usually lower than the left?

  Due to the positioning of the liver
• What surrounds the kidneys for support?

  A layer of fat
• What is a nephron?

  Structural and functional unit of the kidney
• How many nephrons are there per kidney?

  1 million nephrons
• What is the renal pelvis?

  Larger portion of the ureter draining urine
• What is the function of the renal artery?

  Blood flow into the kidney
• What is the function of the renal vein?

  Blood flow out of the kidney
• What is the hilum of the kidney?

  Indented region for blood vessels and nerves
• What are the two main layers of the kidney?

  Cortex and medulla
• What is the average blood flow through the kidney?

  Approximately 1200 mL/min
• What hormone do kidneys produce in response to low blood-oxygen levels?

  Erythropoietin
• What are the primary functions of the kidneys?

  Excretion, blood filtration, hormone production
• What is the role of renin produced by the kidneys?

  Increases blood pressure
• How do kidneys regulate extracellular fluid?

  By balancing plasma and lymph levels
• What is the nephron's role in electrolyte balancing?

  Key to blood homeostasis
• What is the composition of urine?

  95% water, 5% dissolved substances
• What are the main electrolytes found in urine?

  Sodium, chlorine, potassium, phosphate, bicarbonate
• What causes the yellow color in urine?

  Breakdown products of old red blood cells
• What are abnormal elements that can be found in urine?

  Stones, mucus, blood, sugar
• What are the steps of urine formation?

  1. Glomerular filtration
  2. Tubular reabsorption
  3. Secretion
• What occurs during glomerular filtration?

  Movement of plasma to Bowman’s capsule
• What substances are filtered during glomerular filtration?

  Water, ions, small molecules
• What percentage of filtrate is reabsorbed during tubular reabsorption?

  99%
• Where does tubular reabsorption occur?

  Proximal tubule, loop of Henle, convoluted tubule
• What is the purpose of tubular reabsorption?

  Retain water, nutrients, and ions
• What is the typical urine output per minute?

  1. 4 mL/min
• What main substances are reabsorbed during tubular reabsorption?

  Water, salt, calcium, glucose, amino acids
• What processes make reabsorption possible?

  Osmosis and diffusion
• What substances can be actively secreted into urine?

  Potassium, hydrogen, ammonium ions
• How does secretion contribute to blood homeostasis?

  Balances fluids and electrolytes
• What are the main substances secreted into urine?

  Excess water, hormones, ions, urea
• What is dialysis?

  Artificial filtration of blood to remove waste
• Why is dialysis needed?

  To filter waste when kidneys fail