ch 16 Flashcards
What are the four functions of the urinary system?
Excretion of Metabolic Wastes, Maintenance of Salt-Water Balance, Maintenance of Acid-Base Balance, Secretion of Hormones
These functions are critical for maintaining homeostasis in the body.
How does urine and feces biologically compare?
Feces - undigested food plus bacteria that was never inside the tissue; Urine - carries metabolic wastes from cell metabolism but should be bacteria-free
This distinction highlights the different roles of the urinary and digestive systems.
What is removed from the body via the urinary system?
Waste products, excess water, and salts
These substances are essential for maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance.
What system removes uric acid?
The kidneys
Uric acid is a waste product of purine metabolism.
What system removes salt?
The urinary system
This process helps regulate electrolyte balance in the body.
What system removes bicarbonate?
Kidneys
Bicarbonate plays a crucial role in maintaining acid-base balance.
What system removes urea?
The kidneys and the urinary system
Urea is a major waste product formed from protein metabolism.
What system removes feces?
The digestive system
This is distinct from the urinary system, which deals with liquid waste.
What is the function of the ureter?
Conduct urine from kidney to bladder
The ureter has a three-layered wall consisting of inner mucosa, smooth muscle, and outer connective tissue.
What is the location of the ureter?
Connected to the renal pelvis
This connection is critical for the transport of urine.
Does the excretion of metabolic wastes contribute to homeostasis?
Yes
This includes maintenance of water-salt balance and acid-base balance.
Does the maintenance of water-salt balance contribute to homeostasis?
Yes
This is essential for fluid balance and overall health.
Does the excretion of proteins and nucleotides contribute to homeostasis?
No
This is because they are typically retained in the body.
Why is it a good thing to have a bladder?
It acts as a storage organ for urine and filters waste products
This allows for controlled excretion.
What are some differences between male and female urinary systems?
The male urethra is significantly longer and has a dual role of urination and semen transport; the female urethra is shorter and solely for urination
These anatomical differences can affect urinary health.
What other organ system does the urethra serve in males?
Urinary and reproductive systems
This dual function is unique to males.
What problem can an enlarged prostate cause in males?
Can cause blockage of the flow of urine in the urethra
This condition can lead to urinary retention and discomfort.
What mechanism(s) is involved in the nervous control of urination?
Two sphincter muscles control the release of urine into the urethra
This control is essential for voluntary urination.
What is the function of the bladder?
Stores urine
This storage capacity allows for regulated urination.
What is the location of the bladder?
Just posterior to the pubic symphysis
Its position is important for its function.
How many openings does the bladder have?
3
These openings include two for the ureters and one for the urethra.
Should blood normally contain urine?
No
The presence of urine in blood indicates a serious medical issue.
Which organs should only contain urine?
Kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra
These organs are part of the urinary system.
What is the nephron considered?
The functional units of the kidney
Nephrons are essential for filtering blood and forming urine.
What kinds of cells line the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT)?
Simple cuboidal epithelial cells with a brush border (microvilli)
These adaptations enhance reabsorption efficiency.
Why do those cells in the proximal convoluted tubule line the PCT?
To increase the surface area for efficient reabsorption of solutes and water
This is crucial for maintaining homeostasis.
What connects to the ureter on both ends?
The kidney to the urinary bladder
This connection facilitates urine transport.
What are the capillaries called that are enclosed by the Bowman’s capsule?
The glomerulus
The glomerulus is critical for filtration.
What accounts for filtration at the glomerulus?
Hydrostatic pressure and oncotic pressure
These forces drive the filtration process.
Is the glomerulus composed of capillaries?
Yes
This structure is vital for blood filtration.
Is the glomerulus connected to arterioles at both ends?
Yes
This connection is important for blood flow regulation.
Where would the blood be the most viscous as it passes through the kidney?
In veins because low flow allows red blood cells to aggregate, increasing viscosity
This phenomenon affects blood characteristics.
Why is glucose not found in the urine?
Kidneys efficiently reabsorb all the filtered glucose back into the bloodstream in the proximal tubules
This ensures glucose is available for energy.
Which is in higher concentration in the urine: urea or plasma?
Urea
This reflects the kidney’s role in waste excretion.
What is the glomerular (Bowman’s) capsule’s function?
It encloses the glomerulus and plays a crucial role in the first step of blood filtration
This structure is essential for urine formation.
Does tubular reabsorption require a high blood pressure to function?
No
This process occurs under varying pressure conditions.
Does tubular secretion require a high blood pressure to function?
No
This mechanism can function independently of high blood pressure.
List what would not normally be found in the glomerular filtrate.
Blood cells, platelets, or most proteins
Their presence in filtrate indicates a problem.
How does urine contain a higher concentration of wastes than the blood?
The kidneys filter blood, selectively reabsorbing essential substances and excreting waste products like urea and excess water in the form of urine
This process is crucial for waste management.
What part of the nephron creates high osmotic pressure in the medulla?
The loop of Henle
This structure is vital for urine concentration.
What can an increased amount of ADH lead to?
Collecting duct becomes more permeable to water
This increases water reabsorption.
What is the function of ADH?
It increases the permeability of the collecting duct; it increases water absorption; it decreases urine volume; hot sweaty days will cause more ADH release
ADH plays a key role in fluid balance.
What excretes ADH?
Posterior pituitary glands
This gland plays a crucial role in water regulation.
Where is sodium actively released in the loop of Henle?
Ascending limb of the loop of Henle
This is essential for urine concentration and electrolyte balance.
What structure monitors blood pressure in the kidney?
Juxtaglomerular apparatus (JGA)
This structure is vital for regulating kidney function.
What structure releases aldosterone?
Glomerulosa
Aldosterone is important for sodium and water balance.
How are diuretic drugs helpful to patients with high blood pressure?
Help lower blood pressure by increasing the excretion of excess salt and water through urine
This can alleviate symptoms of hypertension.
What causes the kidneys to secrete aldosterone?
Low blood pressure, low sodium levels, or high potassium levels
These conditions trigger hormonal responses.
When would hydrogen ions be excreted, and bicarbonate ions be reabsorbed in the blood?
When the blood pH is too acidic
This is part of the body’s pH buffering system.
What type of transport is kidney dialysis based upon?
Diffusion and convection
This process mimics kidney function to remove waste.
How is uremia characterized?
Fluid overload, electrolyte imbalances, metabolic abnormalities, and physiological changes
These symptoms indicate severe kidney dysfunction.
What is urethritis?
An infection of the urethra
This condition can cause pain and discomfort.
What are the indications of kidney failure?
Large amounts of proteins and/or red blood cells in the urine
These findings suggest significant kidney damage.
What is edema?
Swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in your body’s tissues
This can be a sign of kidney issues.
What could edema be a sign of?
Kidney failure
This condition can lead to fluid retention.
What could be a sign that you have a kidney stone?
Stabbing pain in the groin, difficulty urinating or increased frequency of urination, blood in the urine
These symptoms warrant medical attention.
