kidney structure Flashcards
what is a nephron
a functional unit of the kidney
what is ultrafiltration
filtration of the blood at a molecular level at high hydrostatic pressure
we have 2 kidneys
each are supplied with blood from what artery
renal artery
what vein drains blood from a kidney
renal vein
what is the role of kidney
excrete waste products from the blood and produce urine
what is the name of the outer region of the kidney
cortex
what is the inner region of a kidney called
medulla
what is the name of the centre of the kidney.
pelvis, leads to the ureter
what are the two arterioles leading to and out of the glomerulus
afferent and efferent arteriole
which arteriole is wider, afferent or efferent.
afferent is wider than the efferent arteriole, ensures the pressure in the glomerulus is higher than in the bowmans capsule
how is the endothelium of the capillaries adapted for ultrafiltration
endothelial cells on the capillary have pores called “Fenestrations”. Allows blood plasma to pass through the capillary
what fibres is the basement membrane made of
it is described as a mesh of collagen fibres and glycoproteins
how does the mesh adapt to ultrafiltration
filter to prevent the passage of molecules which have a higher relative molecular mass of 69,000
where are the podocytes located
on the epithelial cells of the bowmans capsule
what is the name of the finger-like projections on the podocyte
major processes
