Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Pathophysiology > Kidney - Structure, Function And Disease > Flashcards

Kidney - Structure, Function And Disease Flashcards

1
Q

What is the urinary system made up of?

A

Kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder and urethra

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What are the 3 main functions of the urinary system?

A

Excretion
Elimination
Homeostatic regulation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What is excretion and elimination in the urinary system?

A

Excretion - The removal of waster products from bodily fluids/blood
Elimination - the removal of these waste products in the form on of urine

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What homeostatic involvement does the urinary system have?

A

Regulating blood volume and blood pressure by adjusting how much water is in your blood
Regulating plasma concentrations of ions
Stabilises blood pH
Conserves valuable nutrients
Assists the liver

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

How many kidneys do we have?

A

2

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Where are the kidneys located?

A

Posteriorly either side of the vertebral column level with T12-L3

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Where is the suprarenal gland located on the kidney?

A

It is located at the apex of each kidney

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What colour and shape are kidneys?

A

Reddish brown colour and shaped like a kidney bean

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What are kidneys suspended by?

A

They hang suspended by collagen fibres of the renal fascia

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What is the working part of the kidney embedded in?

A

A thick layer of fat ( perinephric fat capsule)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What 2 parts make up the kidney?

A

Renal cortex and renal medullary

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is the renal cortex?

A

The outer part of the kidney

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What are the projections of the renal cortex that extend down between renal pyramids called?

A

Cortical columns

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Where does ultrafiltration occur?

A

In the renal cortex

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What part of the kidney contains the glomeruli?

A

Renal cortex

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What is the renal medulla?

A

Inner part of the kidney

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Which part of the kidney contains the collecting ducts?

A

Renal medulla

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What makes up a renal lobe?

A

Renal pyramid
Renal cortex (in that area)
Adjacent cortical column

19
Q

What does a renal lobe do?

A

Produces urine

20
Q

Describe the blood supply to the kidney, starting at the renal artery and finishing at the renal vein

A

Renal artery
Segmental arteries
Interlobar arteries
Arcutate arteries
Cortical radiate arteries
Afferent arterioles
Glomerulus
Efferent arteriolar
Peritubular capillaries
Venules
Cortical radiate veins
Arcute veins
Interlobar veins
Renal vein

21
Q

What is the nephron?

A

The functioning unit of the kidney
It is a tubular structure within the cortex of each renal lobe

22
Q

What does the nephron consist of?

A

Renal tubule and a renal corpuscle

23
Q

What does the renal corpuscle contain?

A

The glomerular capsule or bowman capsule and the glomerulus

24
Q

What is the glomerulus?

A

The capillary network

25
Q

Where does filtration occur in the kidney?

A

The nephron

26
Q

What is the pneumonic to remember the functions of the kidney?

A

A WET BED

27
Q

What are the functions of the kidney

A

A - acid based balance
W - water balance/regulation
E - enthropoiesis -> the making of RBC
T - Toxin removal
B - blood pressure regulation
E - electrolyte balance
D - vitamin D activation

28
Q

What is nephritis?

A

Inflammation of the kidneys

29
Q

Name some types of nephritis

A

Interstitial nephritis
Pyelonephritis
Glomerulonephritis

30
Q

What are the symptoms of nephritis?

A

Pelvic/kidney/abdominal pain
Pain/burning sensation on urination
Nocturia
Cloudy/pus or blood in urine
Swelling of hands, feet and face
Vomiting
High blood pressure

31
Q

How do you get a diagnosis of nephritis?

A

Inflammatory/infective markers
Urine tests
Scans
Raised creatine and BUN (blood urea nitrogen)
Renal biopsy

32
Q

What is nephrosis?

A

Non inflammatory disease of the kidneys, chiefly affecting the nephrons

33
Q

What is nephrosis characterised by?

A

The leaking ion blood protein into the urine -> oedema

34
Q

What are the symptoms of nephrosis?

A

Sever swelling of eyes, ankles and feet
Foamy urine
Weight gain
Fatigue
Loss of appetite

35
Q

How do you diagnose nephrosis?

A

Urine analysis
Blood tests -> increased cholesterol

36
Q

What are the treatments for nephrosis?

A

Medication to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol, to thin blood and suppress immune system

37
Q

What is acute renal failure?

A

Both kidneys temporarily stop working
There is a sudden onset but failure is reversible

38
Q

What is chronic renal failure?

A

Gradual irreversible destruction of the kidney over a long period of time

39
Q

What are some of the causes of chronic renal failure?

A

Chronic kidney disease
HTN
DM

40
Q

What are the stages of chronic renal failure?

A

Decreased reserve
Renal insufficiency
End stage renal failure

41
Q

What happens in the decreased reserve stage of chronic renal failure?

A

Glomerula filtration rate and creatine levels decrease but within normal range
Around 60% of nephrons lost

42
Q

What happens in the renal insufficiency stage of chronic renal failure?

A

Change in blood chemistry with increase in waste products in the blood
Decrease in RBC production and increase in blood pressure
Large volumes of dilute urine
Around 75% of nephrons lost

43
Q

What happens in the end stage of renal failure?

A

All body systems affected by the retention of waste products
Andria develops
Regular dialysis or treatment is required
More than 90% of nephrons lost

Pathophysiology (14 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions