Renal And Urinary System

Question 1

Name the major organs in the urinary system.

Answer 1

Kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.

Question 2

What are the three main regions of the kidney, and their functions?

Answer 2

Cortex: Contains glomeruli and proximal/distal tubules for filtration and reabsorption.
Medulla: Contains loops of Henle and collecting ducts, concentrating urine.
Pelvis: Funnels urine into the ureter.

Question 3

What is the functional unit of the kidney?

Answer 3

The nephron.

Question 4

What are the three main processes involved in urine formation?

Answer 4

Filtration, reabsorption, and secretion.

Question 5

What is the role of the glomerulus?

Answer 5

The glomerulus filters blood, allowing water and small solutes to pass into the Bowman’s capsule while retaining larger molecules like proteins and blood cells.

Question 6

What is the role of the loop of Henle?

Answer 6

The loop of henle concentrates urine by reabsorption water in the descending limb and solutes (eg. Sodium, chloride) in the ascending limb.

Question 7

How does the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) regulate blood pressure?

Answer 7

Renin converts angiotensin to angiotensin 1.
Angiotensin 1 is converted to angiotensin 2, which causes vasoconstriction and stimulates aldosterone release.
Aldosterone increases sodium and water reabsorption, raising blood volume and pressure.

Question 8

What role does antidiuretic hormone (ADH) play in kidney function?

Answer 8

ADH increases water reabsorption in the collecting ducts, reducing urine output and concentrating urine.

Question 9

What are the normal components of urine?

Answer 9

Water, urea, creatinine, electrolytes (eg. Sodium, potassium), and small amounts of uric acid.

Question 10

What is oliguria, and what can cause it?

Answer 10

Oliguria is reduced urine output (<400mL/day). Causes include dehydration, kidney failure, or urinary obstruction.

Question 11

What is acute kidney injury (AKI), and what are it’s common causes?

Answer 11

AKI is sudden decrease in kidney function. Causes include prerenal (eg. Hypovolemia), intrinsic (eg. Nephrotoxins), and postrenal (eg. Obstruction).

Question 12

What is a urinary tract infection (UTI), and what are it’s common symptoms?

Answer 12

A UTI is an infection in the urinary system, often caused by bacteria like E.coli. symptoms include dysuria, frequency, urgency, and suprapubic pain.

Question 13

What is nephrotic syndrome?

Answer 13

Nephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder causing heavy proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, oedema, and hyperlipidemia.

Question 14

What is chronic kidney disease (CKD), and how is it classified?

Answer 14

CKD is the gradual loss of kidney function over time, classified into five stages based on glomerular filtration rate (GFR).

Question 15

How do kidney stones form, and what are the common types?

Answer 15

Kidney stones form when minerals crystalize in the urine. Common types include calcium oxalate, juice acid, struvite, and cysteine stones.

Question 16

What is the difference between pre-renal, intrinsic, and post-renal causes of kidney dysfunction?

Answer 16

Pre-renal: Reduced blood flow to the kidneys (e.g dehydration). Intrinsic damage to kidney structures (eg. Glomerulonephritis).
Post-renal: Obstruction of urine flow (eg. Stone, tumors).

Question 17

What role do the kidneys play in acid base balance?

Answer 17

The kidneys regulate acid-based balance by excreting hydrogen ions (H+) and reabsorbing bicarbonate (HCO3-).

Question 18

How did the kidneys contribute to red blood cell production?

Answer 18

The kidneys produce erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates the bone marrow to produce red blood cells.

Question 19

What is the micturiton reflex?

Answer 19

The micturition reflex is the process of the bladder emptying, initiated by stretch receptors in the bladder wall, signalling the brainstem and causing the detusor muscle contraction and urethral sphincter relaxation.

Question 20

How is glomerular filtration rate (GFR) measured, and why is it important?

Answer 20

GFR is measured using creatinine clearance or estimated using equations (eg. eGFR). It is a key indicator of kidney function.