Week 4

Question 1

Functions of kidneys

Answer 1

Regulation of blood
- ionic composition
- pH
- volume
- pressure
- glucose level
Maintenance of blood osmolarity
Production of hormones
Excretion of wastes & foreign substances

Question 2

Kidney anatomy

Answer 2

3 layers of tissue surround kidney

• renal capsule (deep) smooth transparent dense irreg CT continuous with outer layer of ureter. Barrier against trauma/holds in place in abdominal cavity
• adipose capsule - mass of fatty tissue. Trauma protection.
• renal fascia - dense irreg CT. Anchors to other structures

Question 3

Kidney regions

Answer 3

Renal cortex - superficial light red region. Smooth textured from renal capsule to bases of renal pyramids & spaces in-between (Renal columns). Cortical zone (outer) and juxtamedullary zone (inner)

Renal medulla - deep, darker reddish-brown inner region.
8-18 renal pyramids with renal papilla (apex) toward renal hilum, base toward renal cortex

Question 4

Parenchyma

Answer 4

Renal cortex and renal pyramids of renal medulla
Functional portion of kidney
Contain nephrons

Question 5

Path of blood flow through kidneys

Answer 5

Renal artery ▷segmental arteries▷interlobar arteries▷arcuate arteries▷cortical radiate arteries▷afferent arterioles▷glomerular capillaries▷efferent arterioles▷peritubular capillaries▷cortical radiate veins▷ arcuate veins▷interlobar veins▷renal vein

Question 6

Path of urine drainage

Answer 6

Nephrons form filtrate that drains into papillary ducts ▷cuplike minor and major calyces (calyx). Filtrate becomes urine - no further reabsorption can occur.

▷Collecting duct (of nephron)
▷Papillary duct
▷Minor calyx
▷Major calyx
▷Renal pelvis
▷Ureter
▷Urinary bladder
▷Urethra