[01] Kidney Structure and Function Flashcards
What are the main structures of the kidney?
- Cortex
- Medulla
- Renal Pelvis
- Ureter
What is the function of the kidney’s cortex?
It contains the glomerulus and convoluted tubules and is involved in the filtration of blood and the formation of urine
What is the function of the kidney’s medulla?
It contains the Loop of Henle and the collecting ducts, and is involved in the concentration and reabsorption of water from the urine
What is the renal pelvis in the kidney?
It is a funnel-shaped structure that collects urine from the nephrons and channels it into the ureter
What is the role of the ureter in the kidney?
It transports urine from the renal pelvis to the bladder
What are nephrons?
They are the microscopic functional units of the kidney responsible for the actual process of filtration
What are the main parts of a nephron?
- Glomerulus
- Bowman’s Capsule
- Proximal Convoluted Tubule
- Loop of Henle
- Distal Convoluted Tubule
- Collecting Duct
What is the function of the glomerulus in the nephron?
It is a network of capillaries where the filtration of blood occurs
What is the function of the Bowman’s Capsule in the nephron?
It collects the filtrate from the blood that passes through the glomerulus
What is the role of the Proximal Convoluted Tubule (PCT) in the nephron?
It is where most of the reabsorption of water, ions, and all organic nutrients takes place
What is the role of the Loop of Henle in the nephron?
It is where the concentration of urine is controlled by reabsorbing water and various ions
What is the role of the Distal Convoluted Tubule (DCT) in the nephron?
It plays a major role in the regulation of potassium, sodium, calcium, and pH
What is the function of the Collecting Duct in the nephron?
It reabsorbs solutes and water from the filtrate, forming urine which is then channeled to the renal pelvis
What are the primary functions of the kidney?
- Filtration of blood and excretion of waste products
- Regulation of blood pressure
- Regulation of blood pH
- Regulation of electrolytes
- Production of hormones
What are the hormones produced by the kidney?
- Erythropoietin (stimulates red blood cell production)
- Renin (regulates blood pressure)
- Calcitriol (active form of Vitamin D)
