Urinary System Flashcards
What are the four components of the urinary system?
- Kidneys
- Ureters
- Urinary bladder
- Urethra
What are the four functions of the urinary system?
- Filtration
- Active absorption
- Passive absorption
- Secretion
Kidneys receive _____% of total blood flow
20-25%
Talk me through the process of the urinary system very generally
Blood arrives at kidneys > filter to make ultrafiltrate > passive and active absorption > reabsorb the essential fluids and electrolytes to return to the body + metabolic waste is removed
What stimulates the release of erythropoietin by the kidneys? What does it do?
Low blood oxygen levels > kidneys release erythropoietin > stimulates the production of RBC in the bone marrow
What stimulates the release of renin by the kidneys? What does it do - overall effect?
Low sodium levels or low blood volume > release of renin > increase in blood pressure
What are the two layers to the capsule of the kidney?
- Outer fibrous layer
2. Inner layer of myofibroblasts
What is a unique feature of the inner layer of the capsule of the kidney?
It has a contractile function which allows it to withstand pressure changes
What is the hilum of the kidney?
The hilum is a concave region that serves as the entry point for the renal artery, exit point for renal vein, and ____
What is the renal pelvis?
Funnel-shaped opening at the beginning of the urter
What are the two parts of the renal pelvis?
- Major Calyx
2. Minor Calyx
How many medullary pyramides does each person have?
10-18
What are medullary rays?
Extensions of medullary pyramids into the cortical region
The space between the medullary rays is the cortical labyrinths
What is the cortical labyrinth? What does it house?
The outer cortex region between medullary rays
Houses the renal corpuscles + convoluted tubules + collecting tubules
Why does the outer cortex stain dark red?
95% of the vasculature present in the kidney is housed in the outer cortex
Talk me through the vasculature of the kidneys starting at the hilum
Renal artery enters at hilum > divides into interlobar arteris > runs along medula region next to the pyramid > takes a sharp turn at cortical-medullaruy junction > acruate cessels (AA and AV) > sharp turn and enter cortext > interlobular vessels > glomerular capillaries > portal arteriole system > efferent arteriole > secondary capillary system
What does the portal arteriole system do?
The afferent arteriole provides blood to the glomerular capillaries and delivers blood to efferent arteriole
What does the secondary capillary system in the kidneys do?
Provides nourishment for the kidney itself
What demarcates the boundary between the cortex and the medulla?
Arcuate vessels
What kind of staining does the medulla have?
Stains lightly
What is the renal corpuscle?
Houses the glomerular capillaries and associated tubules
What specific tubules do the medullary rays consist of?
Straight tubules
Cortical collecting tube
What is the vasa recta?
Unique capillary system that runs parallel to the collecting duct it the medulla
What is the papilla?
The point where the medullary pyramid comes to an apex