Renal System

• What should you be able to describe by the end of the session regarding the urinary system?

  You should be able to describe the location of the organs of the urinary system.
• What is one of the intended learning outcomes related to the kidneys?

  Identify kidney structure.
• What is one function of the kidneys?

  Filter fluid from the bloodstream.
• How do the kidneys help regulate blood volume?

  By producing urine that contains waste.
• What role do the kidneys play in blood pressure regulation?

  They produce renin, which regulates blood pressure.
• What substance do the kidneys release to stimulate red blood cell production?

  Erythropoietin.
• What is the active form of vitamin D converted by the kidneys?

  The kidneys convert vitamin D to its active form.
• What are the protective layers of the kidneys?

  • Renal fascia: tough connective tissue layer that anchors the kidneys.
  • Perirenal fat capsule: cushions the kidneys against blows.
  • Renal capsule: glistening appearance and innermost layer.
• What are the three internal regions of the kidney?

  • Cortex: outer region with nephrons.
  • Medulla: middle region with renal pyramids.
  • Renal pelvis: central region leading to the ureter.
• What are the two main components of a nephron?

  A renal corpuscle and a renal tubule.
• What are podocytes and their function in the nephron?

  Podocytes are specialized cells that form filtration slits in the glomerular capsule.
• How long is the renal tubule?

  About 3 cm long.
• What are the two types of nephrons and their locations?

  • Cortical nephrons: located almost entirely within the cortex.
  • Juxtamedullary nephrons: situated close to the cortex-medulla junction, with loops dipping deep into the medulla.
• What is the function of collecting ducts in the kidneys?

  • Receive urine from many nephrons.
  • Run through the medullary pyramids.
  • Deliver final urine product into the calyces and renal pelvis.
• What are the two capillary beds associated with each nephron?

  The glomerulus and the peritubular capillary bed.
• What is the process of glomerular filtration?

  Fluid passes from the blood into the glomerular capsule, forming filtrate.
• What is the average glomerular filtration rate (GFR) for nephrons of both kidneys?

  About 120-125 ml/min.
• What happens during tubular reabsorption?

  Water, glucose, amino acids, and ions are reclaimed from the filtrate and returned to the blood.
• What is tubular secretion?

  It is the removal of hydrogen and potassium ions and creatinine from the blood into the filtrate.
• What are common nitrogenous wastes found in urine?

  • Urea: formed by the liver from protein breakdown.
  • Uric acid: released from nucleic acid metabolism.
  • Creatinine: associated with creatine metabolism in muscle tissue.
• How much urine do the kidneys produce in 24 hours?

  About 1-1.8 liters.
• How long are the ureters?

  25-30 cm long.
• What role do the ureters play in the urinary system?

  They carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
• What is the structure and function of the urinary bladder?

  • Smooth, collapsible muscular sac.
  • Stores urine temporarily.
  • Located retroperitoneally in the pelvis.
  • Bladder wall made of three layers of smooth muscle.
  • Mucosa is transitional epithelium allowing stretching.
• What is the function of the urethra?

  The urethra carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.
• What controls the emptying of the bladder?

  • Controlled by two sphincters.
  • Reflex contractions occur when bladder collects about 200 ml of urine.
  • Voluntary control allows urine storage until convenient to void.
• How do the kidneys maintain blood composition?

  • Excreting nitrogen-containing wastes.
  • Maintaining water balance.
  • Maintaining electrolyte balance.
  • Ensuring proper blood pH.
• What is the normal blood pH range that kidneys help maintain?

  Between 7.35 and 7.45.
• What are the three fundamental functions of the nephron?

  • Filtration
  • Reabsorption
  • Secretion
• What are some causes of kidney disease?

  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Infection
  • Drugs
  • Kidney stones
• What are the pros and cons of kidney dialysis?

  • Pros: replicates many kidney functions, can be life-saving.
  • Cons: requires regular sessions, can have side effects.
• What are the advantages of kidney transplants?

  • Improved quality of life.
  • No need for dialysis.
  • Better long-term outcomes.
• What are the disadvantages of kidney transplants?

  • Risk of rejection.
  • Need for lifelong immunosuppression.
  • Surgical risks and complications.