Renal system

• How much blood do the kidneys filter each day?

  About 200 liters
• What do the kidneys remove from the blood?

  Waste products, toxins, and excess ions
• What protein do the kidneys produce to increase blood pressure?

  Renin
• How do the kidneys help regulate blood volume?

  By filtering and adjusting fluid levels
• What do the kidneys maintain in the blood and cells?

  The balance of electrolytes
• What long-term balance do the kidneys ensure?

  Acid-base balance
• What hormone do the kidneys produce to stimulate red blood cell production?

  Erythropoietin
• What can the kidneys produce if blood glucose is low?

  Glucose
• What is the main function of the renal system?

  • Filter blood
  • Remove waste
  • Maintain homeostasis of water, ions, pH, and blood pressure
• Where are the kidneys located?

  On either side of the spine
• What connects the kidneys to the urinary bladder?

  The ureters
• What is the function of the urinary bladder?

  Stores urine until expulsion
• What controls the expulsion of urine?

  A sphincter muscle
• What are the main organs of the renal system?

  • Kidneys
  • Ureters
  • Bladder
  • Urethra

  
• What are the pyramid structures of the kidney called?

  Renal pyramids

  
• What forms a shell around the renal medulla?

  The renal cortex

  
• What is the function of the calyx in the kidney?

  To collect urine produced in the kidney
• How does urine move from the calyx to the ureter?

  By peristalsis

  
• What type of tissue lines the inner side of the bladder?

  Transitional epithelia
• What is the purpose of transitional epithelial cells in the bladder?

  Allow for stretching
• What is the name of the tube that connects the kidneys to the bladder?

  Ureter
• What happens if the glomerulus pores become damaged?

  Blood cells and proteins may enter urine
• What is the name of the structure where ultrafiltration occurs?

  Nephron

  
• What is the movement of filtrate across the membrane of the glomerulus called?

  Ultrafiltration

  
• What is reabsorbed in the proximal tubule?

  All sugars, most salts, and some water
• What is water potential?

  The tendency of water to move areas
• What occurs in the loop of Henle?

  Water is reabsorbed by osmosis
• What happens as the filtrate moves up the ascending limb of the loop of Henle?

  Salts move out by passive transport
• What are the main components of a nephron?

  1. Glomerulus
  2. Efferent arteriole
  3. Bowman’s capsule
  4. Proximal tubule
  5. Cortical collecting tube
  6. Distal tubule
  7. Loop of Henle
  8. Collecting duct
  9. Peritubular capillaries
  10. Arcuate vein
  11. Arcuate artery
  12. Afferent arteriole
  13. Juxtaglomerular apparatus

  
• What is the result of further reabsorption in the distal tubule?

  Urine has a low water potential
• What are some disorders of the renal/urinary system?

  • Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
  • Renal Failure

  
• What is proteinuria and its link to diabetes?

  Protein in urine indicates kidney damage
• What is the role of the juxtaglomerular apparatus?

  Regulates blood pressure and filtration rate
• What happens to urine concentration as it moves through the nephron?

  It becomes more concentrated
• What is the role of peritubular capillaries?

  Surround nephron for reabsorption

  
• How does the renal system maintain homeostasis?

  By regulating water, ions, and pH
• What is the significance of the renal columns?

  They separate renal pyramids
• What is the function of the renal pelvis?

  Collects urine before it enters the ureter

  
• What is the role of smooth muscle in the bladder?

  Facilitates movement of urine
• What is the function of the renal cortex?

  Contains nephrons for filtration