Lesson 1: A+P Of The GU System

Question 1

Kidney - Cortex

Answer 1

• Outer zone
• Contains glomeruli and tubes
• For urine production

Question 2

Kidney - Medulla

Answer 2

• Inner zone
• Contains loop of henle and collecting ducts
• For urine contraction and collection

Question 3

Kidney - Renal Pelvis

Answer 3

Continuous with proximal ureter

Question 4

Kidney - Nephron

Answer 4

Glomerulus: collection of capillaries surrounded by Bowman’s capsule

Proximal convoluted tubules → loop of henle → distal convoluted tubules → collecting duct

Question 5

Kidney - Critical Functions

Answer 5

• Urine production + elimination of metabolic wastes
• Maintenance of fluid and electrolyte balance
• Maintenance of acid base balance
• Blood pressure regulation
• Production of erythropoietin
• Activation of vitamin D

Question 6

Glomerular Filtration

Answer 6

Blood flows into capillary network under pressure through Bowman’s Capsule

Large volumes of “primitive urine” created

Question 7

Urine Concentration

Answer 7

Urine passes through tubules and is selectively reabsorbed

750 - 2000 mls/ day

PH 4.6 - 6.0

Constituents: water, urea, creatinine, electrolytes, mucous, minimal RBC/WBC

Question 8

Ureters

Answer 8

• 24-30 cm long, 0.2 cm wide
• Begins at renal pelvis and terminates in bladder
• Entry at oblique angle prevents reflux
• Smooth muscle lined with transitional cell epithelium
• Delivery of urine via peristalsis

Question 9

Bladder

Answer 9

• Smooth muscle lined with transitional cell epithelium
• Fixed base (bladder plate) with distendable body
• 300 - 600 mls capacity
• Trigone: triangular muscle at base of bladder that surrounds 2 ureters and urethral opening

Critical Functions:
- stretch + store urine
- contract + empty

Question 10

Urethra

Answer 10

Male: 22cm average - long and curved

Female: 3.5 - 5.5 cm average - short and straight

Functions
- Waterproof seal during filling of bladder
- Sphincter for controlled opening/continence