kidney

• What is the main function of the kidneys?

  Filter blood and excrete waste
• What does osmoregulation mean?

  Maintaining constant water and salt content
• How many nephrons does each kidney have approximately?

  One million
• What are the key structures of a nephron and their functions?

  • Bowman’s capsule: Collects filtrate from glomerulus
  • Glomerulus: Filters blood at high pressure
  • Proximal convoluted tubule: Reabsorbs glucose actively
  • Loop of Henle: Regulates water potential and filters salts
  • Collecting duct: Reabsorbs water based on ADH concentration
• What is the process called when blood is filtered in the Bowman’s capsule?

  Ultrafiltration
• What happens to blood pressure as it travels from the afferent to the efferent arteriole?

  Blood pressure increases
• What type of compounds cannot enter the Bowman’s capsule?

  Blood cells and large proteins
• What components are included in the filtrate that enters the Bowman’s capsule?

  Water, glucose, salts, urea
• How is water reabsorbed from the collecting duct?

  Through osmosis and ADH regulation
• What hormone determines the amount of water reabsorbed in the collecting duct?

  Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
• What is the summary of selective reabsorption in the nephron?

  • Glucose reabsorbed in proximal convoluted tubule
  • Salts filtered out in Loop of Henle
  • Water reabsorbed in Loop of Henle and collecting duct