Histology of the Kidney and Urethra Flashcards
What are the main components of the renal cortex?
Renal corpuscles, renal tubules, blood vessels, and interstitial tissue.
What are the main components of the renal medulla?
Renal pyramids, renal columns, and renal papillae.
What is the renal capsule?
Fibrous covering surrounding the kidney.
What is the renal corpuscle?
Functional unit of the kidney responsible for blood filtration.
What are the components of the renal corpuscle?
Glomerulus and Bowman’s capsule.
What is the glomerulus?
Network of capillaries where blood filtration occurs.
What is Bowman’s capsule?
Double-walled capsule surrounding the glomerulus.
What are podocytes?
Specialized cells in Bowman’s capsule involved in filtration.
What is the renal tubule?
Tubular structure responsible for urine formation.
What are the segments of the renal tubule?
Proximal convoluted tubule, loop of Henle, distal convoluted tubule, and collecting duct.
What is the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT)?
First segment of the renal tubule responsible for reabsorption and secretion.
What is the loop of Henle?
U-shaped portion of the renal tubule.
What are the two main segments of the loop of Henle?
Descending limb and ascending limb.
What is the distal convoluted tubule (DCT)?
Last segment of the renal tubule responsible for electrolyte balance.
What is the collecting duct?
Structure that receives urine from multiple nephrons and carries it to the renal pelvis.
What is the juxtaglomerular apparatus (JGA)?
Specialized structure involved in regulating blood pressure and filtration rate.
What are the components of the juxtaglomerular apparatus?
Macula densa, granular (juxtaglomerular) cells, and extraglomerular mesangial cells.
What is the macula densa?
Area of closely packed cells in the wall of the DCT.
What is the granular (juxtaglomerular) cells?
Specialized cells in the afferent arteriole wall.
What is the extraglomerular mesangial cell?
Supporting cell located between the arterioles and tubule.
What is the histology of the ureter?
Three layers: mucosa, muscularis, adventitia (or serosa).
What are the layers of the ureter wall?
Mucosa, muscularis, and adventitia (or serosa).
What is the mucosa of the ureter composed of?
Transitional epithelium and lamina propria.
What is the muscularis of the ureter composed of?
Smooth muscle responsible for peristaltic contractions.
What is the adventitia (or serosa) of the ureter composed of?
Fibrous connective tissue layer providing structural support.
What is the transitional epithelium?
Specialized epithelial cells capable of stretching.
What is the function of transitional epithelium?
Allows for distension and contraction of the ureter.
What is the significance of the muscularis layer in the ureter?
Facilitates peristaltic contractions to propel urine towards the bladder.
What is the role of the adventitia (or serosa) layer in the ureter?
Provides structural support and anchors the ureter in place.
What is the blood supply to the kidney and ureter?
Renal arteries, segmental arteries, interlobar arteries, arcuate arteries, interlobular arteries, afferent arterioles, glomerular capillaries, efferent arterioles, peritubular capillaries, and vasa recta.
