B3.3.4 - Inside the kidney

Question 1

What are the 3 observable sections of a kidney?

Answer 1

The capsule, the cortex and the medulla

Question 2

What is the capsule?

Answer 2

The outer membrane of the kidney. This helps it to maintain its shape and to protect it from damage

Question 3

What is the cortex?

Answer 3

The outer part of the kidney

Question 4

What is the medulla?

Answer 4

The inner part of the kidney

Question 5

Where is urine produced?

Answer 5

In microscopic tubules called nephrons

Question 6

How nephrons does each kidney have?

Answer 6

Approximately 1 Million nephrons

Question 7

How is the volume of urine produced controlled?

Answer 7

Through a negative feedback loop

Question 8

What happens if the blood water potential is too low?

Answer 8

More ADH is produced. This results in more water being reabsorbed from the nephron into the blood stream. Less water is lost therefore a small volume of concentrated urine is produced

Question 9

What happens if the blood water potential is too high?

Answer 9

Less ADH is produced. This results in less water being reabsorbed from the nephron into the blood stream. More water is lost from the body so a large volume of dilute urine is produced

Question 10

What is ADH (anti-diuretic hormone)?

Answer 10

A hormone which controls the amount of water reabsorbed in the kidney