Vanders Renal Ch1 Flashcards
What are the seven major functions of the kidneys?
- Regulation of Water and Electrolyte Balance
- Regulation of Systemic Blood Pressure and Extracellular Fluid Volume
- Excretion of Metabolic Waste and Foreign Substances
- Regulation of Red Blood Cell Production
- Regulation of Acid-Base Balance
- Regulation of Vitamin D Production and Regulation of Calcium and Phosphate Balance
- Gluconeogenesis
These functions highlight the kidneys’ multifaceted role in maintaining homeostasis.
Define the balance concept in renal function.
Balance refers to matching output to input to keep a constant amount of substances in the body, such as water and electrolytes.
List the gross structures of the kidneys and their interrelationships.
- Renal pelvis
- Calyces
- Renal pyramids
- Renal medulla (inner and outer zones)
- Renal cortex
- Papilla
These structures work together to facilitate urine formation and drainage.
What are the components of the nephron-collecting duct system?
- Renal corpuscle
- Glomerulus
- Tubule
- Collecting-duct system
These components are essential for the filtration and reabsorption processes in the kidneys.
Draw the relationship between glomerulus, Bowman’s capsule, and the proximal tubule.
The glomerulus is enclosed by Bowman’s capsule, and the proximal tubule extends from Bowman’s capsule.
What is the juxtaglomerular apparatus?
A structure that regulates blood pressure and glomerular filtration rate, consisting of three cell types: granular cells, macula densa, and mesangial cells.
What are the three cell types found in the juxtaglomerular apparatus?
- Granular cells
- Macula densa
- Mesangial cells
What is the function of the granular cells in the juxtaglomerular apparatus?
To secrete renin, which helps regulate blood pressure.
List the individual tubular segments of the nephron in order.
- Proximal tubule
- Loop of Henle
- Distal convoluted tubule
- Collecting duct
Each segment plays a specific role in renal function.
Define principal cells and intercalated cells.
- Principal cells: Involved in sodium and water reabsorption
- Intercalated cells: Involved in acid-base balance
What are the basic renal processes?
- Glomerular filtration
- Tubular reabsorption
- Tubular secretion
- Tubular production
These processes are essential for maintaining homeostasis in the body.
What is renal metabolism of a substance?
The process by which the kidneys metabolize substances, such as the conversion of vitamin D to its active form.
True or False: The kidneys only excrete waste products from the body.
False
The kidneys also regulate water, electrolytes, blood pressure, and produce hormones.
What is the role of the kidneys in regulating systemic blood pressure?
They determine blood volume and produce hormones that regulate vascular resistance.
What are uremic retention solutes?
Waste products that must be excreted by the kidneys, including urea, uric acid, and creatinine.
What stimulates red blood cell production?
Erythropoietin, produced primarily by the kidneys.
What is the major source of erythropoietin in adults?
The kidneys.
Fill in the blank: The kidneys help regulate __________ and phosphate balance.
calcium
What is gluconeogenesis?
The synthesis of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, occurring in the liver and kidneys.
Describe the anatomy of the kidneys.
The kidneys are bean-shaped organs located under the rib cage, consisting of a cortex and medulla, with pyramids and calyces.
What is the function of the calyces in the kidneys?
They act as collecting cups for urine formed in the renal pyramids.
True or False: The renal corpuscles are found in the medulla.
False
Renal corpuscles are located in the cortex.
What are the two zones of each pyramid in the medulla?
Outer zone and inner zone
The outer zone borders the cortex and the inner zone continues to the papilla.
What structures are primarily found in the cortex of the kidney?
Renal corpuscles, coiled blood vessels, and coiled tubules
The medulla contains straight blood vessels and straight tubules.
How many nephrons are approximately present in each kidney?
About 1 million nephrons