Renal Structure and Function Review

Question 1

What is the nephron?

Answer 1

Structural and functional unit f the kidney, ~1million/kidney
Comprised of glomerulus and tubule

Question 2

What are the major functions of the kidneys?

Answer 2

1. Waste excretion
2. Electrolyte balance
3. Hormone synthesis
4. BP regulation
5. Glucose homeostasis

Question 3

What hormones are synthesised in the kidneys?

Answer 3

• EPO production (cortex)
• Vit D activation
• Renin production (JG apparatus)

Question 4

What are mesangial cells?

Answer 4

Structural cells that support the vascular tree. Contractile and produce vasoactive substances to help control blood flow

Question 5

What are the cells of the glomerulus?

Answer 5

1. Mesanigal cells
2. Capillary endothelial cells
3. Visceral epithelium (podocytes)
4. Parietal epithelium

Question 6

What are capillary endothelial cells?

Answer 6

One of the cells of the glomerular filtration barrier; help form the plasma filtration apparatus due to their sinusoidal nature and glycocalcyx.

Question 7

What are the podocytes?

Answer 7

Visceral epithelium; one of the cells of the glomerular filtration barrier and help form plasma filtration apparatus due to their interdigitated foot process that form slit diaphragms.

Question 8

What is the parietal epithelium?

Answer 8

Lines the interior of Bowman’s capsule and contains a podocyte progenitor population

Question 9

Explain effect of PGs, NSAIDs, ACEi and ANGII on the renal arterioles.

Answer 9

AFFERENT:
-PG dilate
-NSAIDs constrict
EFFERENt
-ACEi dilate
-AngII constricts

Question 10

What is normal urine output?

Answer 10

> 0.5mg/kg/h

Question 11

What are the two mechanisms of auto regulation?

Answer 11

i) Myogenic: vasoactive factors released in response to changes in perfusion pressure
ii) Tubuloglomerular feedback: changes in [Na+] delivery to macula densa lead to afferent arteriolar tone