Histology of nephrons Flashcards
What type of epithelium lines the proximal convoluted tubule?
Simple cuboidal epithelium
What is the structure of the apical domain of the epithelial cells lining the proximal convoluted tubule?
Microvilli brush border on apical domain
What is the function of the microvilli brush border on the apical domain of epithelial cells lining the proximal convoluted tubule?
Increase surface area for reabsorption
What organelle is abundant in the epithelial cells lining the proximal convoluted tubule?
Mitochondria
Why are the epithelial cells lining the proximal convoluted tubule rich in mitochondria?
Most reabsorption occurs in the proximal convoluted tubule
requires concentration gradient of sodium ions since most molecules and ions are reabsorbed with sodium ions
which is set up by Na+ K+ ATPase
uses ATP
generated by mitochondria
What type of epithelium lines the descending limb of the loop of Henle?
Simple squamous epithelium
Does the descending limb contain lots of mitochondria? Why?
No it doesn’t
because there is little reabsorption occurring here
don’t need as much ATP for Na+ K+ ATPase
What type of epithelium lines the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle?
Simple cuboidal epithelium
How is the simple cuboidal epithelium lining the thick ascending limb told apart from that lining the proximal convoluted tubule?
Proximal convoluted tubule epithelium has a microvilli brush border on its apical domain
this isn’t found on the thick ascending limb epithelium
What organelle is abdundant in the epithelial cells of the thick ascending limb?
Mitochondria
Why are mitochondria abundant in the epithelial cells of the thick ascending limb?
Reabsorption of sodium chloride occurring in the thick ascending limb
requires concentration gradient of sodium ions
which is set up by Na+ K+ ATPase
uses ATP
generated by mitochondria
What type of epithelium lines the collecting duct?
Simple columnar epithelium
How is the simple columnar epithelium lining the collecting duct told apart from the simple cuboidal epithelium lining the proximal convoluted tubule?
Proximal convoluted tubule epithelium has a microvilli brush border on the apical domains
this isn’t found on the collecting duct epithelium
What type of epithelium lines the minor and major calyces?
Transitional epithelium
Where else is transitional epithelium found in the urinary tract, apart from the minor and major calyces?
Renal pelvis
Ureters
Bladder
Urethra
