5th Histology Lecture Exam (2025 w/ Ratio) - Urinary System, Endocrine Glands, and Eye & Ear- Special Sense Organs Flashcards
The following are functions of the kidney EXCEPT:
A. Gluconeogenesis during starvation
B. Secretion of Vitamin D prohormone
C. Secretion of erythropoietin
D. Excretion of metabolic waste products
Secretion of Vitamin D prohormone
Renal Functions
* Regulation of balance between water and electrolytes and the acid-base balance
* Excretion of metabolic wastes along with excess water and electrolvtes in urine
* Excretion of bioactive substances, drugs
* Regulation of arterial blood pressure by secretion of renin
* Secretion of erythropoietin
- a glycoprotein growth factor that stimulates erythrocyte production in red marrow when the blood O 2 level is low;
* Conversion of the steroid prohormone vitamin D to the active form (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 or calcitriol)
* Gluconeogenesis during starvation or periods of prolonged fasting, making glucose from amino acids to supplement this process in the liver.
* Right kidney is slightly anatomically lower than the left kidney because it is situated below the liver.
- This refers to the concave medial border of the kidney where blood, lymph vessels and ureter enter and exit.
A. Minor calyx
B. Major calyx
C. Renal pelvis
D. Hilum
Hilum
Hilum
* Concave medial border (contains renal veins and arteries, lymph vessels) VAD (Vein, Artery, Duct)
- This collects urine formed by the tubules in one renal lobe
A. Renal papilla
B. Renal pyramid
C. Major calyx
D. Minor calyx
Minor calyx
Connecting Tubules -> Collecting Tubules -> Collecting Ducts -> Renal Papilla -> Minor calyx
In the apex of the pyramid, several collecting ducts merge further as a papillary duct which delivers urine to the minor calyx.
- The nephron consists of:
A. Renal tubule and renal medulla
B. Renal corpuscle and renal Cortex
C. Renal corpuscle and renal tubule
D. Renal tubule and renal cortex
Renal corpuscle and renal tubule
Parts of a Nephron (2) : Renal corpusle and tubule
Renal Corpusle : an initial dilated part enclosing a tuft of capillary loops and the site of blood filtration, always located in the cortex
* Bowman’s capsule (Parietal Layer/Capsular Space/Visceral Layer)
* Glomerulus
Renal Tubule
* PCT
* LOH
* DCT
* CT
Which correctly describes the blood supply to the kidneys?
A. Renal artery derived > segmental arteries > interlobar arteries > arcuate arteries > interlobular > afferent arterioles > glomerulus > efferent arterioles
B. Renal artery derived > segmental arteries > interlobar arteries > interlobular arteries > arcuate arteries > afferent arterioles > efferent arterioles > glomerulus
C. Renal artery derived > segmental arteries > interlobar arteries > interlobular arteries > arcuate arteries > afferent arterioles > glomerulus > efferent arterioles
D. Renal artery derived > segmental arteries > interlobar arteries > interlobular arteries > arcuate arteries > afferent arterioles > glomerulus > efferent venules
Renal artery derived > segmental arteries > interlobar arteries > arcuate arteries > interlobular > afferent arterioles > glomerulus > efferent arterioles
Renal Circulation:
* Renal Artery (branch of the descending aorta)
* Segmental arteries (Anterior/Posterior)
* Interlobar artery
* Arcuate artery (forming an arch)
* Interlobular artery
* Afferent arteriole
* Glomerulus
* Efferent arteriole
* Peritubular capillaries (associated with convoluted tubules; loops)
* Vasa recta (associated with loop of Henle; straight tubes)
* Interlobular vein
* Arcuate vein
* Interlobar vein
* Renal vein
The visceral layer of the corpuscle contains stellate epithelial cells called:
A. Intercalated cells
B. Mesangial cells
C. Principal cells
D. Podocytes
Podocytes
Bowman’s/ Glomerular Capsule of RENAL CORPUSLE:
Location: CORTEX
Parietal Layer:
* Lining epithelium - Simple Squamous -> Simple Cuboidal (PCT)
Visceral Layer:
* Podocytes : Stellate Epithelial Cells
* Pedicels (Foot processes): Filtration slit pores (Elongated spaces)
* Mesangial Cells: bet. capillaries that lacks podocytes (Function: Physical support, Vasoconstriction, Phagocytosis, Immunity)
* Glomerular Filtration Barrier:
-Fenestrated capillaries of the glomerulus: block formed elements
-Glomerular basement membrane: restrict proteins & anions
-Filtration slit pores/diaphragm: restrict smaller proteins & some anions
Connecting tubule of RENAL TUBULE
Location: MEDULLA
Lining Epithelium: Simple cuboidal to columnar
* DCT cells
* Collecting tubule cells
* Principal cells
* Intercalated cells
- Blood leaves and enter through which vessels; respectively?
A. Renal artery and efferent arteriole
B. Afferent arteriole and interlobular vein
C. Renal artery and Renal vein
D. Afferent arteriole and efferent arteriole
Afferent arteriole and efferent arteriole
Renal Circulation:
* Renal Artery (branch of the descending aorta)
* Segmental arteries (Anterior/Posterior)
* Interlobar artery
* Arcuate artery (forming an arch)
* Interlobular artery
* Afferent arteriole
* Glomerulus
* Efferent arteriole
* Peritubular capillaries (associated with convoluted tubules; loops)
* Vasa recta (associated with loop of Henle; straight tubes)
* Interlobular vein
* Arcuate vein
* Interlobar vein
* Renal vein
- This is the most substantial part of the filtration barrier that separates the blood from the capsular space:
A. Fenestrations of the capillary endothelium
B. Filtration slits between pedicels
C. Spaces between the podocytes
D. Glomerular basement membrane
Glomerular basement membrane
Glomerular Filtration Barrier
* Between the highly fenestrated endothelial cells of the capillaries and the covering podocytes
* The most substantial part of the filtration barrier that separates the blood from the capsular space and forms by fusion of the capillary- and bodocyte-produced basal laminae.
Contents:
-Fenestrated capillaries of the glomerulus: block formed elements
-Glomerular basement membrane: restrict proteins & anions
-Filtration slit pores/diaphragm: restrict smaller proteins & some anions
- Identify the function of the principal cells in the collecting system.
A. Secretion of potassium
B. Active reabsorption of proteins
C. Passive reabsorption of proteins
D. Reabsorption of potassium
Secretion of potassium
COLLECTING DUCTS
* Formed by connecting tubule extending from each nephron & several join together in cortical medullary rays
Principal cells
* Pale staining columnar cells
* Few organelles
* Sparse microvilli
* ADH makes CD more permeable to water
* Rich in aquaporins
* Integral membrane pore proteins
* Water molecule channels
Intercalated cells
* Darker stain
* More abundant mitochondria
* Help maintain acid- base balance
Function (junqueira)
* Principal cells:
-Regulated reabsorption of water & electrolytes; regulated secretion of K
* Intercalated cells:
-Reabsorption of K+ (low-K diet); help maintain acid-base balance
- A renal lobe is:
A. Drains into a single interlobular duct
B. Composed of one medullary pyramid with its associated cortex
C. Grossly visible as a rounded bulge on the kidney surface
D. Separated from the other lobes by the fibrous capsule
Composed of one medullary pyramid with its associated cortex
- The region of the kidney containing the glomeruli
A. Medulla
B. Renal pelvis
C. Cortex
D. Renal papilla
Cortex
Parts of a Nephron (2) : Renal corpusle and tubule
Renal Corpusle : an initial dilated part enclosing a tuft of capillary loops and the site of blood filtration, always located in the cortex
* Bowman’s capsule (Parietal Layer/Capsular Space/Visceral Layer)
* Glomerulus
Renal Tubule
* PCT
* LOH
* DCT
* CT (Principal/ Intercalated cells)
- The end of each medullary pyramid through which medullary ducts open into the calyx is called?
A. Renal papilla
B. Medullary ray
C. Renal lobule
D. Renal pelvis
Renal papilla
- The renal capsule is composed of:
A. Adipose connective tissue
B. Transitional epithelium
C. Loose connective tissue
D. Dense fibrous connective tissue
Dense fibrous connective tissue
Kidney: retroperitoneal; at the posterior abdomen covered by the ribs
Hilum:
Shape: conCAVE
Structures:
* Ureter
* Blood vessels (artery & vein)
* Lymph vessels
* Renal pelvis
Capsule
Shape - convex
Specific subtype - dense irregular connective tissue (DICT)
- These cells line the interstitial spaces in the matrix between the capillaries
A. Pericytes
B. Fibroblasts
C. Mesangial cells
D. Podocytes
Mesangial cells
Bowman’s/ Glomerular Capsule of RENAL CORPUSLE:
Location: CORTEX
Parietal Layer:
* Lining epithelium - Simple Squamous -> Simple Cuboidal (PCT)
Visceral Layer:
* Podocytes : Stellate Epithelial Cells
* Pedicels (Foot processes): Filtration slit pores (Elongated spaces)
* Mesangial Cells: bet. capillaries that lacks podocytes (Function: Physical support, Vasoconstriction, Phagocytosis, Immunity)
* Glomerular Filtration Barrier:
-Fenestrated capillaries of the glomerulus: block formed elements
-Glomerular basement membrane: restrict proteins & anions
-Filtration slit pores/diaphragm: restrict smaller proteins & some anions
Connecting tubule of RENAL TUBULE
Location: MEDULLA
Lining Epithelium: Simple cuboidal to columnar
* DCT cells
* Collecting tubule cells
* Principal cells
* Intercalated cells
- The parietal epithelium of the Bowman capsule is lined by
A. Simple squamous epithelium
B. Simple cuboidal epithelium
C. Stratified squamous epithelium
D. Stratified cuboidal epithelium
Simple squamous epithelium
Has 2 Layers and a space between them:
Outer/ Parietal Layer
* forms the surface of the capsule. consists of a simple squamous epithelium supported externally by a basal lamina.
Internal/ Visceral Layer
* closely envelops the glomerular capillaries (finely fenestrated)
* consists of podocytes
- What is the functional unit of the kidney?
A. Renal corpuscle
B. Nephron
C. Lobe
D. Medulla
Nephron
Each kidney contains around 1 million functional units called nephrons that consist of: simple, single- layered epithelium along their entire lengths.
What structure leads to the collecting duct?
A. Loop of Henle
B. Distal Convoluted tubule
C. Bowman’s capsule
D. Glomerulus
Distal Convoluted tubule
Renal corpuscle
* Bowman’s capsule
* Glomerulus
Renal tubule
* Proximal Convoluted Tubule (PCT)
* Loop of Henle
* Distal Convoluted Tubule (DCT)
* Connecting tubule
- What cells are sensitive to sodium concentration?
A. Pedicels
B. Visceral layer of the Bowman’s capsule
C. Parietal layer of the Bowman’s capsule
D. Macula densa
Macula densa
DISTAL CONVOLUTED TUBULE
* TAL - enters cortex > forms macula densa DCT
* Simple cuboidal with few brush borders
* Short microvilli
* More empty/cleaner lumens
* Na absorption in the DCT is regulated by aldosterone
- What type of epithelium lines the bladder?
A. Simple columnar epithelium
B. Simple cuboidal epithelium
C. Transitional epithelium
D. Stratified squamous epithelium
Transitional epithelium
- The muscle of the urinary bladder is called?
A. Muscularis
B. Adventitia
C. Transitional epithelium
D. Detrusor muscle
Detrusor muscle
Tunica Muscularis
3 poorly delineated layers = Detrusor muscle
* inner longitudinal
* middle circular
* outer longitudinal
- Choose the best description of the urothelium
A. When the bladder is empty, the urothelium is thinner
B. When the bladder is empty, the urothelium is smooth
C. When the bladder is full, the urothelium is folded
D. When the bladder is full, the urothelium is thinner
When the bladder is full, the urothelium is thinner
- Which is not part of the male urethra?
A. Prostatic
B. Spongy
C. External sphincter
D. Membranous
External sphincter
MALE URETHRA
* Long: 18 - 20 cm; reproductive/ excretory function
Consists of 3 segments:
* Prostatic urethra = 3-4 cm long; traverses prostate gland
* Membranous urethra = 1-1.5 cm long (shortest segment); passes through an external sphincter of striated muscle (at UG diaphragm)
* Spongy / Penile urethra = 15 cm long (longest segment); enclosed within erectile tissue of the penis
Mucosa
LE:
* Prostatic = Transitional
* Membranous = Stratified/ Pseudostratified columnar
* Penile = Stratified /Pseudostratified columnar
* Fossa navicularis = SSNKE
- This functions for the passive reabsorption of electrolytes
A. Thick ascending loop of Henle
B. Distal convoluted tubule
C. Thin limbs of the loop of Henle
D. Proximal convoluted tubule
Thin limbs of the loop of Henle
Loop of Henle
Thin limbs (Simple Squamous): Passive reabsorption of Na and CI (Electrolytes)
TAL (Simple Cuboidal): Active re-absorption of various electrolytes
- What is the thickest layer of the ureter?
A. Muscularis
B. Mucosa
C. Adventitia
D. Lamina propia
Muscularis
URETER
* Stellate-shaped lumen
Mucosa
LE: transitional epithelium
LP: thick fibroelastic tissue; (+) diffuse lymphatic tissue; No glands
NO Submucosa
Tunica Muscularis
* smooth muscle
* moves urine toward UB by peristalsis
Upper 2/3: thinner; 2 layers (IL-OC)
* Inner longitudinal
* Outer circular
Lower 1/3: thicker; 3 layers (IL-MC-OL)
* inner longitudinal
* middle circular
* outer longitudinal: found in the portion nearest to UB
Tunica Adventitia
* fibroelastic tissue with BV, LV, nerves
- Each kidney has approximately how many nephrons?
A. 1-4 million
B. 5-9 million
C. 6-7 million
D. 3-5 million
1-4 million
- Its main function is to support the capillary loops (Glomerulus)
A. Mesangium
B. Nephrons
C. Podocytes
D. Pericytes
Mesangium
Mesangial cells
* resemble vascular pericytes (in contractile properties and producing components of an external lamina)
* often stain more darkly than podocytes.
* Along with the surrounding matrix comprises the Mesangium which fills interstices between capillaries that lack podocytes.
Functions of the mesangium include the following:
* Physical support of capillaries within the glomerulus
* Adjusted contractions in response to BP changes
* Secretion of cytokines, prostaglandins, factors important for immune defense & repair in the glomerulus.
* Phagocytose protein aggregates (in the glomerular filter)
- The afferent arteriole enters the Bowman’s capsule thru the?
A. Hilum
B. Urinary pole
C. Vascular pole
D. Loop of Henle
Vascular pole
- This carries urine to the outside of the body
A. Ureter
B. Bladder
C. Kidneys
D. Urethra
Urethra
Renal Pelvis > Ureter > Urinary bladder > Urethra
Urine is transported by the ureters from the renal pelvis to the urinary bladder where it is stored until emptying by micturition via the urethra.
- This allows the peristaltic movement of the urine from the pelvicalyceal system to the bladder
A. Transitional epithelium
B. Lamina propia
C. Adventia
D. Muscularis mucosa
Muscularis mucosa
- These are the most abundant cells in the collecting system.
A. Podocytes
B. Mesangial cells
C. Principal cells
D. Intercalated Cells
Principal cells
Two types of cells at the collecting ducts
1) Principal cells: majority of collecting ducts cells
* Description - pale-staining columnar cells with few organelles & sparse microvilli
* Function - sensitive to antidiuretic hormone (ADH) making the collecting duct more permeable to water during dehvdration
* Hence, they are very rich in aquaporins which are integral membrane pore proteins which function as water channels
2) Intercalated cells
* Description - darker-staining cells with more mitochondria
* Function - help maintain the acid-base balance
- What is the epithelium of collecting ducts?
A. Simple squamous
B. Stratified cuboidal
C. Simple cuboidal
D. Stratified squamous
Simple cuboidal
Renal Tubules: Lining epithelium
Proximal convoluted tubule (PCT): simple cuboidal with brushed borders
Loop of Henle
* Ascending/Descending LOH: simple cuboidal epithelium w/ and w/o brush borders
* Thin LOH: simple squamous epithelium
Distal convoluted tubule (DCT): simple cuboidal epithelium
Connecting/Collecting tubule: simple cuboidal epithelium
Collecting Duct: Simple columnar epithelium
- Give the function of intercalated cells.
A. Reabsorption of CI
B. Reabsorption of K
C. Reabsorption of organic anions
D. Reabsorption of Na
Reabsorption of K
Function (junqueira)
* Principal cells:
-Regulated reabsorption of water & electrolytes; regulated secretion of K
* Intercalated cells:
-Reabsorption of K+ (low-K diet); help maintain acid-base balance
- The loop of Henle is found in the?
A. Both cortex and medulla
B. Either cortex and medulla
C. Cortex
D. Medulla
Medulla
Renal corpuscle (Cortex):
* Bowman’s Capsule
* Glomerulus
Renal Tubule:
* PCT (Cortex)
* LOH (Medulla)
* DCT (Cortex)
* CT (Medulla)
- The adrenal medulla secretes what hormone?
A. Aldosterone
B. Mineralocorticoid
C. Epinephrine
D. Glucocorticoid
Epinephrine
- Adrenal medulla
- Description - modified sympathetic ganglion (neuroendocrine gland)
- Composition - chromaffin cells (since they have high affinity to silver stain)
- Secretion - epinephrine & norepinephrine
- What organ is nicknamed the “master gland”
A. Pituitary
B. Adrenal medulla
C. Adrenal cortex
D. Heart
E. Brain
Pituitary
Pituitary gland
▪ Location – base of the brain (surrounded by the circle of Willis)
▪ Infundibulum – connection of the gland to the hypothalamus
▪ Sella turcica – part of the sphenoid bone wherein the gland lies
Parts (2):
Anterior Pituitary (Adenohypophysis)
* Derivation - Rathke’s pouch
* Parts: Pars tuberalis, Pars intermedia, Pars distalis
Posterior Pituitary (Neurohypophysis)
* Derivation- Downward invagination of the hypothalamus
- The adrenal cortex secretes all these hormones EXCEPT
A. Corticosterone
B. Cortisol
C. Cortisone
D. Oxytocin
Oxytocin
Adrenal Cortex:
* Mineralocorticoids (Z. glomerulosa): Aldosterone
* Glucocorticoids (Z. fasciculata): Cortisol/ corticosterone
* Androgens (Z.reticularis): dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) -> Testosterone
- Where can the structure “Corpora Arenacea” found?
A. Pituitary
B. Thyroid
C. Pancreas
D. Adrenal gland
E. Pineal gland
Pineal gland
Cells of the pineal gland
Neuroglial cells
* Description - interspersed between pinealocytes
Pinealocytes
* Function - secretes melatonin
Corpora arenacea (brain sands)
* Importance - characteristic histological landmark of the pineal gland
* Description - mulberry-like structures which can be calcified & appears in x-rays