The Renal System

Question 1

What is the renal system made up of

Answer 1

The renal system is made up of the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra.

Question 2

What is urine made up of

Answer 2

Water, urea, uric acid, electrolytes and bile pigments

Question 3

How much urine do humans typically produce in a day

Answer 3

1.5-2L

Question 4

Why do pregnant women urinate more often

Answer 4

Pregnant women urinate more often due to compression on the bladder

Question 5

What are the implications of finding glucose in urine

Answer 5

Glucose is usually reabsorbed into the blood so it can indicate gestational diabetes

Question 6

What are the implications of finding ketones in urine

Answer 6

Ketones are produced when the body metabolises fat eg during a diet so it indicates weight loss. Can indicate diabetes if found with glucose.

Question 7

What are the implications of finding blood in urine

Answer 7

Blood indicates renal damage such as kidney stones, infection or a tumour

Question 8

What are the implications of finding protein in urine

Answer 8

Protein can indicate raised blood pressure, preeclampsia and UTI

Question 9

What are the implications of finding Leukocytes in urine

Answer 9

Leukocytes indicate infection as they are white blood cells

Question 10

How is blood supplied to the kidneys

Answer 10

Kidneys receive blood under high pressure from the renal artery which is rich in oxygen and waste. Deoxygenated blood under low pressure leaves the kidneys via the renal veins.

Question 11

What are the renal fat pads

Answer 11

The renal fat pads are a layer of dense fat in the lower ribcage that embed the kidneys.

Question 12

Describe the structure of the kidney

Answer 12

The renal capsule is a thin protective membrane on the outside. The renal cortex is the outer cortex, the renal medulla is the middle portion and the renal pelvis is the hollow middle where urine collects.

Question 13

What is a nephron

Answer 13

A nephron is a structure that produces urine

Question 14

What is the renal corpsule

Answer 14

The renal corpsule is a structure that consists of the glomerulus and the bowmans capsule. Blood enters the glomerulus under high pressure and fluid filters into the bowmans capsule.

Question 15

What is the proximal tubule

Answer 15

The proximal tubule is where glucose, amino acids, hormones and 65% of water is reabsorbed into the blood.

Question 16

What is the loop of henle

Answer 16

The loop of henle is where excess salt and 15% of water is reabsorbed

Question 17

What is the distal tubule

Answer 17

The distal tubule is regulated by ADH, and where a further 19% of water is reabsorbed

Question 18

What is the collecting duct

Answer 18

The collecting duct is also controlled by ADH and carries the urine to the renal pelvises where gravity drains it to the ureters which contract periodically forcing it into the bladder

Question 19

What is the bladder

Answer 19

The bladder is a distensible smooth muscle sack lined with transitional epithelium which allows it to expand. This is prone to tumour and infection, especially in pregnancy.

Question 20

What is micturition

Answer 20

Micturition is the physiological term for urination

Question 21

How does urination work

Answer 21

The bladder walls have stretch receptors that are activated by action potentials triggered by it filling. It can hold up to 400ml in the day and 800ml in the night. There is a muscle ring called the urinary sphincter made of skeletal muscle that can be consciously controlled while urinating.

Question 22

How is water balance controlled

Answer 22

ADH is released by the posterior pituitary when the body is dehydrated . ADH acts on the distal convoluted tubule and collecting duct to allow more water to be reabsorbed.

Question 23

Why is dehydration an issue in midwifery

Answer 23

Dehydration is seen in women with severe morning sickness who loose fluids through vomit. It can cause reduced sweating, tachycardia, palpations, confusion and sunken fontanelles in babies

Question 24

What is water intoxication

Answer 24

Water intoxication is where water causes cells and all organs to swell, causing the brain to be compressed against the skull which can be fatal. It can be seen in AF fed babies whos milk is overdiluted