Urinary System Exam Notes Flashcards
Write a note on the anatomy of the kidney.
6
Two kidneys
Left higher than right
Hilus - entry for renal artery and renal nerves -> exit for renal veins and ureter
3 regions;
cortex (nephrons)
Medulla (renal pyramids)
Pelvis
What is the function of the kidneys?
Produce urine
Write a note on the anatomy of the nephron.
6
Renal corpuscle Renal tubule - peri tubular capillary runs along side for exchange between the two - Proximal convoluted tubule - Loop of Henle - Distal convoluted tubule - Collecting system
Write a note on the functions of the nephron.
4
Blood is filtered in the nephron (in the glomerulus ->glomeruli capillaries)
The filtrate then travels through the renal tubes where it is modified and turned into urine
Any substance filtered from blood that needs to be reabsorbed from the filtrate in the renal tubule by the peri-tubular capillary
Any substance that was not filtered from blood but needs to be excreted will not be secreted from blood to the filtrate in the renal tubule
Write a note on the histology and anatomy of the proximal convoluted tubule.
(5)
Most reabsorption occurs here (filtrate to blood)
Filtrate goes into PCT and fluid similar to plasma comes out
Mostly organic nutrients, sodium and water is reabsorbed
Simple cuboidal epithelium with microvilli
Sodium drives most of the reabsorption as there is high levels in lumen of PCT and low levels in cells
Write a note on the anatomy of the loop of Henle.
3
Receives filtrate from PCT
2 regions
- ascending limb (simple squamous epithelium) -> permeable to water
- descending limb (simple cuboidal epithelium) ->impermeable to water
Write a note on the anatomy of the Distal convoluted tubule
2
Performs final adjustment of urine
Active secretion and absorption occurs here
What is the function of the DCT?
Tubular cells actively reabsorb Na+ and Cl- in exchange for potassium or hydrogen ions (secretion)
Write a note on the histology of the DCT.
Lined with simple cuboidal epithelium (no microvilli)
Write a note on the functions of the collecting system.
3
Re-absorption of sodium ions, bicarbonate and urea
Secretion of hydrogen or bicarbonate ions to control pH
Water and solute loss is regulated by aldosterone and anti-diuretic hormone
Write a note on the anatomy of the ureters.
6
Pair of muscular tubes
Extend from kidneys to urinary bladder
They begin at renal pelvis
They are retroperitoneal (attached to posterior abdominal wall)
Pass through bladder at oblique angle
Urethral openings are slit-like to prevent backflow of urine
Write a note on the histology of the ureters.
3
Inner mucosa: transitional epithelium and lamina propria
Middle muscular layer: longitudinal and circular bands of smooth muscle
Outer connective tissue layer
Write a note on the anatomy of the urinary bladder.
9
A hollow, muscular organ
Functions as a temporary reservoir for urine storage
Can contain up to 1 L of urine
Stabilized by several peritoneal folds
Ligamentous bands anchor urinary bladder to pelvis and pubic bones
Rugae -> folds in mucosa that disappear as bladder fills
Trigone -> triangular area that acts as a funnel
Neck - surrounds urethral opening
Muscular internal urethral sphincter at the neck where smooth muscle fibres provide involuntary control of urine discharge
Write a note on the histology of the urinary bladder.
2
Mucosa, submucosa, muscularis layers
Mucosa = transitional epithelium
Muscularis layer = detrusor muscle, inner and outer layers of longitudinal smooth muscle with a circular layer in between
Write a note on the anatomy of the urethra
7
Extends from the neck of urinary bladder to the exterior of the body
External urethral sphincter
- circular band of skeletal muscle
- acts as a valve
- voluntary control
- resting muscle tone
- permits micturition
