5.5 Structure of the kidneys Flashcards
What are the kidneys encased in?
A tough connective tissue called the renal capsule which ensures the kidneys are protected.
What are the two large blood vessels in the kidneys?
The renal artery and renal vein
What does the renal artery do?
Deliver blood to the kidneys
What does the renal vein do?
Take blood away from the kidneys and back to the heart
What is the blood carried through when it enters the kidneys?
The cortex, a soft tissue layer filled with blood vessels.
Once the blood enters through the cortex, what is it then passed into?
It is then passed into the kidney medulla, where the process of osmoregulation, and ultrafiltration and reabsorption occur.
What are waste products passed out of ad in to?
Passed out by the medulla through the renal pelvis and in to the calyx.
From the calyx, where does the urine go?
Passed into the ureters, two tubes which deliver the urine to the bladder, where it is held until full.
Once the bladder is full, what happens?
When full, the bladder sends signals to the brain, creating the urge to urinate.
