Histology of the Kidney and Urethra

Question 1

What are the main components of the renal cortex?

Answer 1

Renal corpuscles, renal tubules, blood vessels, and interstitial tissue.

Question 2

What are the main components of the renal medulla?

Answer 2

Renal pyramids, renal columns, and renal papillae.

Question 3

What is the renal capsule?

Answer 3

Fibrous covering surrounding the kidney.

Question 4

What is the renal corpuscle?

Answer 4

Functional unit of the kidney responsible for blood filtration.

Question 5

What are the components of the renal corpuscle?

Answer 5

Glomerulus and Bowman’s capsule.

Question 6

What is the glomerulus?

Answer 6

Network of capillaries where blood filtration occurs.

Question 7

What is Bowman’s capsule?

Answer 7

Double-walled capsule surrounding the glomerulus.

Question 8

What are podocytes?

Answer 8

Specialized cells in Bowman’s capsule involved in filtration.

Question 9

What is the renal tubule?

Answer 9

Tubular structure responsible for urine formation.

Question 10

What are the segments of the renal tubule?

Answer 10

Proximal convoluted tubule, loop of Henle, distal convoluted tubule, and collecting duct.

Question 11

What is the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT)?

Answer 11

First segment of the renal tubule responsible for reabsorption and secretion.

Question 12

What is the loop of Henle?

Answer 12

U-shaped portion of the renal tubule.

Question 13

What are the two main segments of the loop of Henle?

Answer 13

Descending limb and ascending limb.

Question 14

What is the distal convoluted tubule (DCT)?

Answer 14

Last segment of the renal tubule responsible for electrolyte balance.

Question 15

What is the collecting duct?

Answer 15

Structure that receives urine from multiple nephrons and carries it to the renal pelvis.

Question 16

What is the juxtaglomerular apparatus (JGA)?

Answer 16

Specialized structure involved in regulating blood pressure and filtration rate.

Question 17

What are the components of the juxtaglomerular apparatus?

Answer 17

Macula densa, granular (juxtaglomerular) cells, and extraglomerular mesangial cells.

Question 18

What is the macula densa?

Answer 18

Area of closely packed cells in the wall of the DCT.

Question 19

What is the granular (juxtaglomerular) cells?

Answer 19

Specialized cells in the afferent arteriole wall.

Question 20

What is the extraglomerular mesangial cell?

Answer 20

Supporting cell located between the arterioles and tubule.

Question 21

What is the histology of the ureter?

Answer 21

Three layers: mucosa, muscularis, adventitia (or serosa).

Question 22

What are the layers of the ureter wall?

Answer 22

Mucosa, muscularis, and adventitia (or serosa).

Question 23

What is the mucosa of the ureter composed of?

Answer 23

Transitional epithelium and lamina propria.

Question 24

What is the muscularis of the ureter composed of?

Answer 24

Smooth muscle responsible for peristaltic contractions.

Question 25

What is the adventitia (or serosa) of the ureter composed of?

Answer 25

Fibrous connective tissue layer providing structural support.

Question 26

What is the transitional epithelium?

Answer 26

Specialized epithelial cells capable of stretching.

Question 27

What is the function of transitional epithelium?

Answer 27

Allows for distension and contraction of the ureter.

Question 28

What is the significance of the muscularis layer in the ureter?

Answer 28

Facilitates peristaltic contractions to propel urine towards the bladder.

Question 29

What is the role of the adventitia (or serosa) layer in the ureter?

Answer 29

Provides structural support and anchors the ureter in place.

Question 30

What is the blood supply to the kidney and ureter?

Answer 30

Renal arteries, segmental arteries, interlobar arteries, arcuate arteries, interlobular arteries, afferent arterioles, glomerular capillaries, efferent arterioles, peritubular capillaries, and vasa recta.