Introduction Flashcards
(18 cards)
The urinary system consist of what structures?
- Two kidneys
- Two ureters
- A urinary bladder
- A urethra
How much litres of fluid does the kidneys filter daily?
About 200 litres
What are the functions of the kidneys?
- Production of urine.
- They act as essential regulators of the volume and chemical makeup of the blood.
- Maintain homeostasis between water/salt and between acids/bases.
What is the first sign of acute kidney failure?
Diminished urine output(Oliguria).
Note: Bloodflow to the kidneys is affected.
Define anuria?
It is the complete absence of urine.
Define polyuria?
Increase output of urine.
Define haematuria?
Presence of blood in urine.
What is the hormone released by the kidneys?
Erythropoietin
High Blood Pressure leads to damaged ________ and ________.
kidneys; vice-versa
Due to the liver, a kidney is slightly lower which one is it?
The right kidney.
Describe the kidneys?
- They are bean-shaped organs.
- About 11 cm long ; 6 cm wide ; 3 cm thick.
- They weigh about 150 g.
Where are the kidneys located?
- They are situated on the posterior wall of the abdomen(behind abdominal organs against the muscles of the back).
- Both kidneys are located, one each side of the vertebral column.
Both kidneys are held in position and embedded by a mass of fat called ____________.
Peri-renal fat
What are the 3 layers of surrounding tissues in kidneys?
- Fibrous capsule(innermost).
- Peri-renal fat capsule(outermost).
- Renal fascia(superficial layer).
What is the function of the renal/fibrous capsule?
It serves as a barrier against trauma and helps maintain the shape of the kidney.
Note: It consists of a smooth, transparent sheet of dense irregular connective tissue.
What is the function of peri-renal fat?
It protects the kidney from trauma.
What is the function of the renal fascia?
It anchors the kidney and the adrenal gland to the surrounding structures.
What are the 3 areas that can be distinguished in a frontal/coronal section of the kidney?
- Renal cortex
- Renal medulla
- Renal pelvis
