Flashcards
What is the main function of the kidneys?
To filter and excrete waste products from the blood, and maintain water and electrolyte balance.
What is the structure that transports urine from the kidneys to the bladder?
Ureters
What is the name of the organ where urine is stored before excretion?
Bladder
Where are the kidneys located in the body?
In the retroperitoneal space between the parietal peritoneum and the posterior abdominal wall.
True or False: The left kidney is typically located higher than the right kidney.
True
What anatomical feature marks the entrance and exit points for renal vessels and the ureter?
Renal hilum
What is the average weight range of a kidney in males?
125–175 g
What are the two main areas of the renal parenchyma?
Cortex and medulla
Fill in the blank: The apex of a renal pyramid is called a _______.
Renal papilla
What structure collects urine from the renal pyramids?
Minor calyx
What is the role of the renal artery?
To supply blood to the kidneys.
What anatomical feature is known as the avascular plane of the kidney?
Line of Brodel
What is a common congenital condition where both kidneys are fused?
Horseshoe kidney
What condition occurs when one or both kidneys fail to develop?
Renal agenesis
What is nephrolithiasis commonly known as?
Kidney stones
What is the primary cause of acute kidney failure?
Ischemia of the kidney and toxic effects of medications.
What is the function of the glomerulus?
To filter blood based on size.
What are nephrons?
Functional units of the kidney that carry out filtration and modification to produce urine.
What are the renal columns?
Extensions of the renal cortex into the renal medulla that separate the renal pyramids.
What is the renal fat pad?
Adipose tissue that provides protective cushioning to the kidney.
What type of nerve input does the renal plexus receive?
Sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system input.
True or False: The renal artery branches are anatomical end arteries.
True
What is the role of the renal veins?
To drain venous blood from the kidneys into the inferior vena cava.
What are the two divisions of the renal artery at the hilum?
Anterior and posterior divisions
