15.5 The Structure And Function Of The Mammalian Kidney Flashcards
1
Q
Which two homeostatic functions do the mammalian kidneys perform?
A
Excretion
Osmoregulation
2
Q
What is excretion?
A
The removal of metabolic waste products form the body
3
Q
What is osmoregulation?
A
The control of water and ion concentrations in an organism
4
Q
What is the structure of the kidney?
A
Cortex: outer region
Medulla: inner region
Renal pelvis: most central region, which leads to the ureter
5
Q
How are large molecules prevented from leaving the blood during ultrafiltration?
A
There are three filters:
- Fenestrations (narrow gaps) between endothelium cells in capillaries
- Podocytes: epithelial cells of the capsule that have finger-like projections, which form filtration slits
- Basement membrane: a mesh of collagen and glycoprotein around the glomerulus
