Chap26/28 Flashcards
What is the functional unit of the kidney?
The nephron
The nephron is responsible for filtering blood and forming urine.
What are the main parts of the urinary system?
- Kidneys
- Ureters
- Urinary bladder
- Urethra
These components work together to produce, store, and eliminate urine.
What is the renal corpuscle composed of?
Glomerulus and glomerular capsule
The renal corpuscle is the site of plasma filtration.
What is the flow of filtrate through the nephron?
Glomerulus → Glomerular capsule → Proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) → Loop of Henle → Distal convoluted tubule (DCT) → Collecting duct → Renal pelvis → Ureter
This sequence illustrates the pathway of filtrate as it is processed into urine.
What is the function of the renal capsule?
Protects the kidney
The renal capsule is a fibrous capsule that is continuous with the ureter.
Where are renal columns located, and what is their function?
Between the renal pyramids; provide structural support and house blood vessels
Renal columns help maintain the architecture of the kidney.
What are filtration slits?
Formed by podocytes wrapping around glomerular capillaries
Filtration slits allow selective filtration of plasma.
What are the differences between cortical and juxtamedullary nephrons?
- Cortical nephrons: Located mostly in the renal cortex; shorter loops
- Juxtamedullary nephrons: Located near the medulla; longer loops for concentrated urine production
The length of the loops affects urine concentration.
What is the function of the cremaster muscle?
Controls temperature of testes by adjusting their position
This muscle helps maintain optimal conditions for sperm production.
Where does spermatogenesis occur?
Seminiferous tubules
These structures are essential for the production of sperm.
What do interstitial endocrine cells secrete?
Testosterone
These cells are located between seminiferous tubules.
What is the ejaculatory duct formed by?
The union of the ampulla of the ductus deferens and the seminal gland
It carries sperm and seminal fluid.
What are the three cylindrical masses that compose the penis?
- 1 corpus spongiosum (surrounds urethra)
- 2 corpora cavernosa (erectile tissue)
These structures play a role in erection and urination.
What do ovaries produce and release?
- Secondary oocytes (eggs)
- Hormones estrogen and progesterone
Ovaries are crucial for female reproductive health.
What does the cervix separate?
The vagina from the uterus
The cervix plays an important role in female reproductive anatomy.
