The kidney- structure Flashcards
what are the 2 main functions of the kidney?
-excretion and osmoregulation
what is the definition of excretion?
-it is the removal of the toxic waste of metabolism
what is the main product excreted by the kidneys? and how is it made?
-the main toxic waste is urea which is a nitrogenous waste produced by the breakdown of excess amino acids in the liver
what is an example of another product excreted by the kidneys?
-creatinine which is a waste product produced from the breakdown of of creatine phosphate
what is the definition of osmoregulation?
-the control of the water potential of body fluids
how does the kidneys help regulate the water potential of the blood?
-through controlling both the volume and concentration of urine produced
in what two arteries does blood travel to the kidneys? what pressure does blood travel at in these tubes and why?
-through the aorta and renal artery
-high pressures which are required for filtration
how does the kidney act as a filter?
-by keeping useful products in the blood and eliminating excretory products and excess waterh
how does filtered blood leave the kidney? how does waste products leave?
-via the renal vein
-via the ureter as urine which takes it to the bladder for storage
what is the job of the sphincter muscles?
-they control the release of urine at the base of the bladder
how does urine exit the body?
-through the urethra
how many and where are the kidneys located?
-humans have 2 kidneys located at the back of the abdomen
what are the two main parts of the kidneys ?
-the cortex outer
-the medulla inner
what is the cortex of the kidneys?
-the outer region which is immediately under the thin covering of the fibrous capsule
what is the medulla?
-inner region which is subdivided into a number of pyramids who’s points/ apices extend down a large central cavity called the pelvis
