Lecture 20 - The Urinary System

Question 1

what is the main function of the urinary system?

Answer 1

the ensure optimal properties of the blood (homeostasis) by removing metabolic wastes generated by body cells

Question 2

true or false: the purpose of the urinary system is to produce urine

Answer 2

false, the purpose is to ensure that you have good blood, urine is a byproduct

Question 3

what are the six other functions of the urinary system?

Answer 3

1) regulates blood ionic composition
2) regulates blood pH
3) regulates blood volume and pressure
4) produces hormones
5) helps liver detoxify poisons and regulate glucose levels
6) conserve valuable nutrients and eliminates waste

Question 4

are the kidneys intraperitoneal or retroperitoneal?

Answer 4

retroperitoneal, posterior to the abdominal wall

Question 5

where are the kidneys located in reference to the ribs?

Answer 5

the left kidney runs from T12-L2, the right kidney runs from L1-L3

Question 6

why is the left kidney higher than the right penny?

Answer 6

the liver pushes the right kidney down during development

Question 7

what is located on the superior-medial surface of each kidney?

Answer 7

the adrenal glands

Question 8

list the layers of connective tissues that surround the kidneys

Answer 8

• perirenal fat
• renal fascia
• pararenal fat

Question 9

connective tissue that surrounds the perirenal fat

Answer 9

renal fascia

Question 10

a layer of fat that is beside the kidneys and behind the parietal peritoneum

Answer 10

pararenal fat

Question 11

tubes that drain into the renal pelvis

Answer 11

minor calyx and major calyx

Question 12

a very tight connective tissue that wraps around the kidneys

Answer 12

the fibrous capsule

Question 13

like the lungs, the kidneys also has a _____ for vessels to enter and exit

Answer 13

hilum

Question 14

contains one renal pyramid, and half a renal column on either side, and reaches up to the capsule

Answer 14

renal lobe

Question 15

the apex of the renal pyramid

Answer 15

renal papilla

Question 16

the renal pyramid is made of:

Answer 16

adrenal medulla

Question 17

what is the path that urine follows through the kidneys?

Answer 17

renal pyramid –> renal papilla –> minor calyx –> major calyx –> renal pelvis

Question 18

how many minor calyces form a major calyx?

Answer 18

2-3

Question 19

what is the path of blood flow through the kidneys?

Answer 19

renal artery –> segmental artery –> interlobar arteries –> arcuate veins –> interlobular arteries –> afferent arterioles –> nephrons –> efferent arterioles –> interlobular veins –> arcuate veins –> interlobar veins –> segmental veins –> renal vein