Renal Flashcards
What is the function of the renal system?
Homeostasis of pH, water, electrolyte, BP and waste product levels
Which 4 components make up the renal system?
Kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra
What are the ureter and upper urethra lined with?
transition epithelium- allows expansion when full
What is the lower urethra lined with?
stratified squamous epithelium
Clinical definition of upper urinary tract?
Kidneys + ureters
Clinical definition of lower urinary tract?
Bladder + urethra
Are the kidneys retroperitoneal or intraperitoneal?
retroperitoneal
Are the bladder and urethra retroperitoneal or intraperitoneal?
intraperitoneal
Which ribs protect the kidneys?
Ribs 11 + 12
Blood supply to the kidney?
Left and right renal arteries, from the abdominal aorta
How many branches does each renal artery have within the kidney?
5
Venous drainage of the kidneys?
Right and left renal veins, draining into the IVC
Kidney consists of a ___ cortex and an ___ medulla
outer, inner
Roughly how many nephrons are present in 1 kidney?
1 million
Structures within the nephron?
Convoluted tubules, loop of Henle and collecting duct
What pathway does urine take out of the kidney?
Nephron collecting ducts–> minor calyx–> major calyx–> renal pelvis–> ureter
Renal calculi is otherwise known as…
kidney stones
What are kidney stone typically formed from?
urine calcium salts
What is renal colic?
Pain that comes and goes due to obstruction (similar to peristalsis)
What kind of cell is the bladder lined with?
Urothelium- can stretch when bladder is full
What links to bladder and urethra?
internal urethral orifice
What causes the bladder to contract when urinating?
Detrusor (smooth muscle) fibres
What structure in the bladder is only present in males?
Internal urethral sphincter (prevents ejaculatory reflux)- involuntary
What is the external urethral sphincter’s function?
Voluntary sphincter- open and close bladder when needed
Why are UTIs more common in females?
Shorter urethra
