Functions of the Kidney

Question 1

What are the primary functions of the kidney?

Answer 1

Filtration of blood, removal of waste products, regulation of electrolytes, blood pressure, and volume, acid-base balance, and hormone production.

Question 2

How do the kidneys regulate blood volume and blood pressure?

Answer 2

By adjusting the volume of urine produced and releasing renin to regulate blood pressure.

Question 3

What role do the kidneys play in electrolyte balance?

Answer 3

By reabsorbing and excreting ions such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and phosphate.

Question 4

How do the kidneys maintain acid-base balance in the body?

Answer 4

By excreting hydrogen ions and reabsorbing bicarbonate from urine.

Question 5

Describe the process of glomerular filtration.

Answer 5

The process where blood is filtered in the glomerulus, allowing water and solutes to pass into the Bowman’s capsule.

Question 6

What is the function of the renal tubules in urine formation?

Answer 6

The renal tubules reabsorb needed substances and secrete waste products into the urine.

Question 7

How do the kidneys excrete metabolic waste products?

Answer 7

By filtering blood to remove urea, creatinine, and other waste products into the urine.

Question 8

What is the role of the kidneys in water reabsorption?

Answer 8

By reabsorbing water from the filtrate back into the blood, primarily in the renal tubules and collecting ducts.

Question 9

How does the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) affect kidney function?

Answer 9

RAAS regulates blood pressure and fluid balance by controlling sodium and water reabsorption and vascular tone.

Question 10

What is the significance of erythropoietin produced by the kidneys?

Answer 10

Erythropoietin stimulates red blood cell production in response to hypoxia.

Question 11

How do the kidneys contribute to calcium and phosphate balance?

Answer 11

By regulating the reabsorption and excretion of calcium and phosphate ions.

Question 12

What is the role of the kidneys in vitamin D metabolism?

Answer 12

The kidneys convert vitamin D into its active form, calcitriol, which is essential for calcium absorption.

Question 13

How do the kidneys handle glucose reabsorption?

Answer 13

Glucose is reabsorbed in the proximal convoluted tubule via sodium-glucose transport proteins.

Question 14

What mechanisms are involved in sodium reabsorption in the kidneys?

Answer 14

Sodium reabsorption involves active transport mechanisms in the proximal tubule, loop of Henle, distal tubule, and collecting duct.

Question 15

How do the kidneys regulate potassium levels?

Answer 15

By secreting or reabsorbing potassium in the distal convoluted tubule and collecting duct.

Question 16

Describe the process of tubular secretion.

Answer 16

Tubular secretion involves the active transport of substances from the blood into the tubular fluid.

Question 17

How do the kidneys remove drugs and toxins from the body?

Answer 17

By filtering the blood and secreting drugs and toxins into the urine for excretion.

Question 18

What is the countercurrent multiplication system in the kidneys?

Answer 18

A mechanism that creates a concentration gradient in the medulla, allowing the kidneys to produce concentrated urine.

Question 19

How does the kidney medulla contribute to urine concentration?

Answer 19

The medulla contains the loop of Henle and collecting ducts, which help concentrate urine by reabsorbing water.

Question 20

What role do the kidneys play in protein conservation?

Answer 20

By filtering and reabsorbing proteins to prevent their loss in urine.

Question 21

How do the kidneys respond to dehydration?

Answer 21

By conserving water through increased reabsorption in the collecting ducts, mediated by antidiuretic hormone (ADH).

Question 22

What is the importance of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR)?

Answer 22

GFR measures the rate at which blood is filtered in the glomeruli, indicating kidney function.

Question 23

How do the kidneys participate in blood detoxification?

Answer 23

By filtering and excreting toxins and metabolic waste products from the blood.

Question 24

What is the function of the juxtaglomerular apparatus in the kidneys?

Answer 24

The juxtaglomerular apparatus regulates blood pressure and GFR through the release of renin.

Question 25

How do the kidneys interact with the endocrine system?

Answer 25

The kidneys release hormones such as erythropoietin and renin, and convert vitamin D to its active form.

Question 26

How is blood flow regulated within the kidneys?

Answer 26

By autoregulation mechanisms that maintain consistent blood flow despite changes in systemic blood pressure.

Question 27

What are the functions of the proximal convoluted tubule?

Answer 27

Reabsorption of water, ions, and nutrients; secretion of wastes and excess ions.

Question 28

How does the loop of Henle contribute to the concentration of urine?

Answer 28

By creating a hyperosmotic medullary environment, facilitating water reabsorption from the collecting ducts.

Question 29

What are the functions of the distal convoluted tubule?

Answer 29

Reabsorption of sodium and calcium; secretion of potassium and hydrogen ions.

Question 30

How do the collecting ducts of the kidneys function in water reabsorption?

Answer 30

Collecting ducts reabsorb water and concentrate urine under the influence of ADH.