Lecture 2 - Urinary System 2025 PART 1 Flashcards
(120 cards)
1
Q
What are the functions of the Urinary System?
A
- Excretes wastes in urine
- Regulates blood volume
- Regulates blood composition
- Regulates blood pressure
- Regulates blood pH
- Regulates blood glucose levels
- Produces calcitriol
- Produces erythropoietin
2
Q
Q: What is one function of the urinary system regarding waste?
A: The urinary system excretes wastes in __________, including substances with no use in the ________ and ____________ waste products.
A
A: The urinary system excretes wastes in urine, including substances with no use in the body and metabolic waste products.
3
Q
Q: What are some examples of metabolic waste products excreted by the urinary system?
A
- Urea
- Creatinine
- Uric acid
- Bilirubin
4
Q
Urea
- comes from the ________________ of
A
- breakdown of amino acids
- by product of amino acid metabolism
5
Q
Creatinine
- comes from the ____________ of
A
from the breakdown of creatine phosphate in muscles
6
Q
Uric acid
- Comes from the _____________ of
A
from catabolism of nucleic acids
7
Q
Bilirubin
- comes from the _____________ of
A
from catabolism of hemoglobin
8
Q
Q: How does the urinary system regulate blood volume?
A: The urinary system regulates blood volume by __________ or _________________.
A
A: The urinary system regulates blood volume by conserving or eliminating water in urine.
9
Q
Flashcard 4: Q: What blood components does the urinary system help regulate?
A
A: Sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride, and phosphate ions.
Na+
K+
Ca2+
Cl-
PO4^3-
10
Q
Flashcard 5: Q: How does the urinary system regulate blood pressure?
- What causes an increase in blood pressure
A
A: The urinary system
secretes renin, and an increase in renin causes an increase in blood pressure.
- Think RAAS
11
Q
Explain RAAS
- What does it stand for
- When bp is low what happened?
A
Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system
When bp is low:
- Reduce blood flow causes kidneys to release renin
> produce angiotensin I > converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II (vasoconstrictor) > vasoconstriction > release aldosterone > (aldosterone) kidneys conserve sodium and water > Result less water lost in urine and blood pressure maintained.
= increase blood volume
= increase blood pressure
12
Q
Q: How does the urinary system regulate blood pH?
- What happens when blood pH is too low?
A
A:
- excretes H+ in urine
- conserves bicarbonate ions in the blood (which act as buffers).
13
Q
Q: How does the urinary system regulate blood glucose levels?
A: The urinary system can produce and release ____________ into the blood, similar to the liver.
A
A: The urinary system can produce and release glucose into the blood, similar to the liver.
14
Q
Flashcard 8: Q: What role does the urinary system play in vitamin D metabolism?
A: The urinary system produces __________, the active form of ____________, which regulates ______________ homeostasis.
A
A: The urinary system produces calcitriol, the active form of Vitamin D, which regulates calcium homeostasis.
15
Q
Q: How does the urinary system influence red blood cell production?
A: The urinary system produces __________, which stimulates the production of ______________.
A
A: The urinary system produces erythropoietin, which stimulates the production of red blood cells.
16
Q
What are the important electrolytes of the urinary system
A
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Phosphate
- Bicarbonate
17
Q
Q: Where is sodium primarily found, and what are its functions?
A: Sodium is found in ______________ fluid. It helps with:
A
A: Sodium is found in extracellular fluid. It helps with:
- Osmotic gradients (fluid flow and volume)
- Action potential in muscles and nerves
18
Q
Flashcard 2: Q: Where is potassium primarily found, and what is its role in the body?
A: Potassium is found
- in ___________ fluid and
is important for _________
A
A: Potassium is found
- in intracellular fluid and
is important for
- repolarizing the membrane potential.
19
Q
Flashcard 3: Q: What are the functions of calcium in the body?
A
A: Calcium is involved in:
- Bone health
- Blood clotting
- Skeletal muscle contraction
- Neurotransmitter release.
20
Q
What are the roles of magnesium in the body?
A
A: Magnesium is important for:
- Bone health
- Metabolic reactions
21
Q
Q: What functions does phosphate serve in the body?
A
A: Phosphate is important for:
- Bone health
- Cell membranes (lipids)
- ATP production.
22
Q
Q: What role does bicarbonate play in the body?
A
A: Bicarbonate helps regulate pH and is involved in CO2 transport.
23
Q
Q: Which kidney is positioned more inferiorly, right or left?
A
A: The right kidney is positioned more inferiorly compared to the left.
24
Q
Why is the right kidney positioned more inferiorly compared to the left?
A
In summary, the right kidney’s lower position is due to the liver’s large size and its anatomical location on the right side of the body.
25
Q: At what angle is the kidney obliqued, and which direction does the hilum face?
A: The kidney is obliqued at a _________° angle _____________,
with the hilum directed _______________.
A: The kidney is obliqued at a 30° angle anteriorly,
with the hilum directed toward the aorta.A: The kidney is obliqued at a 30° angle anteriorly,
with the hilum directed toward the aorta.
26
Q: Where is the superior part of the kidney located in relation to the body?
A: The superior part of the kidney is __________.
A: The superior part of the kidney is posterior.
27
Q: Between which vertebrae are the kidneys located?
A: The kidneys are located between ________ and _______ vertebrae.
A: The kidneys are located between T12 and L3 vertebrae.
28
Q: Which ribs partially protect the kidneys?
A: The kidneys are partially protected by ribs _____ and _____
A: The kidneys are partially protected by ribs 11 and 12
29
How do we demo the left kidney parallel to the IR?
- How does the right kidney look in this case?
RPO 30 degree oblique
- this makes the right kidney look in profile (looking at it from the side)
30
Q: What structures are located anterior to the right kidney?
A:
- Descending duodenum
- Right lobe of the liver
- Hepatic flexure
- Ascending colon
31
Q: What structures are located anterior to the left kidney?
- Tail of the pancreas
- Stomach
- Splenic flexure
- Descending colon
32
Q: What is the position of the kidneys in the body?
- Is it peritoneal cavity or retroperitoneal cavity
A: The kidneys are ____________-.
A: The kidneys are retroperitoneal.
33
Q: What are the surrounding layers of the kidney?
- Renal capsule
- Adipose capsule/ Fat capsule
- Renal fascia
34
Renal capsule
- What layer of the kidney is this?
- innermost layer
35
Adipose capsule
- What layer of the kidney is this?
- What are the functions of this layer?
- middle layer
- provides protection
- helps hold the kidney in place
36
What layer of surrounding layers of the kidney has the greatest affect on ptosis?
The layer of the kidney’s surrounding structures that has the greatest effect on ptosis (abnormal downward displacement of the kidney) is the perirenal fat capsule / adipose capsule.
If this fat layer is significantly reduced (e.g., due to rapid weight loss or malnutrition), the kidney is more likely to "drop" or move downward because it loses its structural support.
37
Q: What is ptosis in relation to the kidneys?
A: Ptosis is the dropping of the kidney when moving from a supine to an erect position
38
A: Ptosis is the dropping of the kidney when moving from a supine to an erect position, typically around _____ inches (____ cm).
A: Ptosis is the dropping of the kidney when moving from a supine to an erect position, typically around 2 inches (5 cm).
39
Q: Which body types experience the greatest ptosis of the kidneys?
A: Ptosis is greatest in individuals with very slim body types.
40
Why is ptosis greater in individuals with very slim body types?
Key Factors:
Reduced Perirenal Fat Capsule:
The perirenal fat capsule is a key layer that surrounds the kidneys and holds them in place.
In very slim individuals, especially those with low body fat, this layer is thin or insufficient, making it harder for the kidneys to stay anchored in their proper position.
Lack of External Support:
Slim individuals have less overall abdominal and retroperitoneal fat, which normally helps stabilize organs.
This lack of external support increases the likelihood of the kidney "dropping" or moving downward when a person stands up or changes position.
Increased Space in the Abdominal Cavity:
With less fat, the kidneys have more "room" to move within the retroperitoneal space, exacerbating their downward displacement, especially in an upright posture.
Body Composition and Weight Loss:
Rapid weight loss, often seen in very slim or underweight individuals, can deplete the fat reserves surrounding the kidneys. This further reduces support and makes ptosis more likely.
41
Q: What is the renal fascia?
A: The renal fascia is the outermost layer surrounding the kidney.
42
Q: What is the function of the renal fascia?
A: The renal fascia is made of ___________ that connects the ________ to the
-
-
-
A: The renal fascia is made of dense tissue that connects the kidney to the abdominal wall, lumbar vertebrae, and diaphragm.
43
What is respiratory excursion?
Respiratory excursion refers to the movement of the chest wall or diaphragm during breathing, specifically the expansion and contraction that occurs as a person inhales and exhales.
44
Q: How much does the kidney move during respiratory excursion?
A: The kidney moves about 1 inch (2.5 cm) during respiratory excursion.
45
From full inspiration to a full expiration, in which direction and how much do the kidneys move?
- Kidneys move UP 1 inch
46
From full expiration to a full inspiration, in which direction and how much do the kidneys move?
- Kidneys move DOWN 1 inch
47
What are the main components of the kidneys?
- Renal cortex
- Renal medulla
48
Q: What is the renal cortex?
A: The renal cortex is the _________ layer of the kidney.
A: The renal cortex is the outer layer of the kidney.
49
What is renal column?
The portion of the renal cortex that extends between the pyramids
50
What is the function of the renal columns?
Anchor the renal cortex
51
Q: What is the renal medulla?
A: The renal medulla is the ________ part of the kidney.
A: The renal medulla is the inner part of the kidney.
52
What are the parts of the renal medulla?
- Renal columns
- Renal pyramids
- Renal papilla
- Minor calyces
- Major calyces
53
Q: What are renal pyramids?
- In what layer can we find them?
A: Renal pyramids are cone-shaped structures in the renal medulla.
54
Typically, how many renal pyramids are there per kidney?
Typically 8-18 (cone-shaped) pyramids per kidney.
55
Q: What is the renal papilla?
- What is the function of the renal papilla?
A: The renal papilla is the tip/apex of the renal pyramid that drains urine into the minor calyces.
56
Q: How many minor calyces are there, and what do they drain into?
A: There are 8-18 minor calyces, and they drain urine into the major calyces.
57
Q: How many major calyces are there, and what is their function?
A: There are 2-3 major calyces
- they drain urine from the minor calyces into the renal pelvis.
58
Q: What is the first step in the flow of urine?
A: Urine first flows into the minor calyces (8-18).
59
What are the major structrual landmarks of the Kidney?
- Fibrous capsule
- Renal cortex
- Renal column
- Renal medulla
- Renal pyramid
- Kidney lobe
- Fibrous capsule within renal sinus
60
Describe the flow of urine and the number of components each has?
- Minor calyces: 8-18
- Major calyces: 2-3
- Penal pelvis: 1
- Ureters -1
61
Q: After the minor calyces, where does the urine flow next?
A: The urine flows into the major calyces (2-3).
62
Q: After the major calyces, where does the urine flow?
A: The urine flows into the renal pelvis (1).
63
Q: What is the final step in the flow of urine before it exits the kidney?
A: The urine flows into the ureter (1) before exiting the kidney.
64
Q: What is the renal hilum?
A: The renal hilum is an _____________ area on the ______________ side of the kidney.
A: The renal hilum is an indented area on the medial side of the kidney.
65
Q: What structures pass through the renal hilum?
The renal hilum allows passage for:
- Renal artery
- Renal vein
- Ureter
- Nerves
- Lymphatics
66
What is the functional unit of the kidney?
nephron
67
Q: What is the nephron?
A: The nephron is the functional unit of the kidney.
68
Q: How many nephrons are there in each kidney?
A: There are approximately ____________ nephrons in each kidney.
A: There are approximately 1 million nephrons in each kidney.
69
Q: Where are nephrons located in the kidney?
A: Nephrons are located in ________ the ___________ and the renal __________ (____________).
A: Nephrons are located in both the renal cortex and the renal medulla (pyramid).
70
Q: What are the two main parts of the nephron?
A: The two main parts of the nephron are:
A: The two main parts of the nephron are:
- Renal corpuscle
- Renal tubule
71
What are the components of the renal corpuscle?
glomerulus and glomerular capsule (Bowman's capsule)
72
glomerulus
A ball of capillaries surrounded by Bowman's capsule in the nephron and serving as the site of filtration in the vertebrate kidney.
73
glomerular capsule
Enclosing structure surrounding each glomerulus. The glomerular capsule is also known as Bowman's capsule and it collects the material that is filtered from the blood through the walls of the glomerulus.
74
Q: What happens in the renal corpuscle?
A: Blood plasma is filtered in the renal corpuscle.
75
Q: What are the two parts of the renal corpuscle?
A: The two parts of the renal corpuscle are:
- Glomerulus
- Bowman’s capsule (or glomerular capsule)
76
Glomerulus
- & (Brief function)
Network of capillaries for blood filtration.
77
Glomerulus
Bowman’s capsule (or glomerular capsule)
- Physical aap
a double-walled cup
78
Q: Where are all parts of the nephron located in the renal cortex, except for the ____________?
A: All parts of the nephron are located in the renal cortex, except for the Loop of Henle
79
Where is the loop of henle located?
renal medulla
80
Q: What are the three parts of the renal tubule?
A: The three parts of the renal tubule are:
- Proximal Convoluted Tubule
- Loop of Henle (Nephron Loop)
- Distal Convoluted Tubule
81
What are the components of the nephron loop?
- descending limb of the nephron
- ascending limb of the nephron
82
Q: What percentage of resting cardiac output do the kidneys receive?
A: The kidneys receive 20-25% of the resting cardiac output.
83
Q: How are the renal arteries different on the right and left sides?
A: The right renal artery is
- longer than the left and
- passes posterior to the renal veins.
- Abdominal aorta sits more left of the MSP behind the IVC, making the right renal artery
- Longer than the left AND posterior to the renal veins
84
Q: What do segmental arteries supply?
A: Each segmental artery supplies one segment of the kidney (5 segments total).
85
Q: What is the role of interlobar arteries in the kidney?
A: Interlobar arteries pass through the renal columns to supply the kidney.
86
Q: Where do arcuate arteries lie, and what is their function?
A: Arcuate arteries arch between the renal medulla and cortex, helping to supply blood to both regions.
87
Q: What are cortical radiate arteries and where do they supply blood?
A: Cortical radiate arteries radiate outward into the renal cortex to supply it with blood.
88
Q: What is the role of afferent arterioles in the nephron?
A: Afferent arterioles bring blood to the glomerulus (one per nephron).
89
Q: What is the glomerulus?
A: The glomerulus is a capillary network within the nephron that filters blood.
90
Q: What does the efferent arteriole do?
A: The efferent arteriole carries blood away from the glomerulus.
91
Q: What are peritubular capillaries and what is their function/ what are they involved in?
A: Peritubular capillaries surround the tubular parts of the nephron and are involved in nutrient exchange.
92
Q: What veins are involved in the blood return from the kidney?
A: The veins involved in blood return from the kidney are:
- Cortical radiate veins
- Arcuate veins
- Interlobar veins
- Renal vein
93
Where does gas exchange occur in the kidney?
Gas exchange occurs in the peritubular capillaries, where oxygen diffuses into kidney tissues, and carbon dioxide diffuses out.
94
Does gas exchange happen in the glomerulus?
No, gas exchange does not happen in the glomerulus. The glomerulus is specialized for filtration, not nutrient or gas exchange.
95
What is the role of the afferent arteriole, efferent arteriole, and venules in gas exchange?
Afferent arteriole: Brings oxygenated blood to the glomerulus (no gas exchange).
Efferent arteriole: Carries oxygenated blood away from the glomerulus to the peritubular capillaries.
Venules: Drain deoxygenated blood from peritubular capillaries and return it to the renal vein.
96
What is the size difference between the afferent and efferent arterioles?
Afferent arteriole: Larger diameter, allowing more blood to flow into the glomerulus.
Efferent arteriole: Smaller diameter, restricting blood outflow and maintaining pressure in the glomerulus.
97
Why is the size difference between the afferent and efferent arterioles important?
The size difference creates high hydrostatic pressure in the glomerulus, which is essential for effective filtration of water, ions, and small molecules into the Bowman’s capsule.
98
How does the size difference affect blood flow and filtration?
High glomerular pressure: Ensures efficient filtration.
Regulated blood flow: Maintains proper flow through the glomerulus and peritubular capillaries for reabsorption and secretion.
99
What is the flow of fluid through a cortical nephron?
Glomerular (Bowman's) capsule
-->
Proximal convoluted tubule
-->
Descending limb of the nephron loop
-->
Ascending limb of the nephron loop
-->
Distal convoluted tubule
(drains into the collecting duct)
100
What are the types of nephrons?
1. Cortical nephrons and
2. Juxtamedullary nephrons
101
Q: What percentage of nephrons are cortical nephrons?
A: Cortical nephrons make up 80 to 85% of all nephrons.
102
How to differentiate the cortical nephrons from the juxtamedullary nephrons?
A: The renal corpuscles of
- cortical nephrons lie in the outer part of the renal cortex.
Renal corpuscles of the juxtamedullary nephrons lie deep in the renal cortex- close to the medulla
103
Q: What is characteristic of the Loop of Henle in cortical nephrons?
A: Cortical nephrons have a short Loop of Henle.
104
Q: What percentage of nephrons are juxtamedullary nephrons?
A: Juxtamedullary nephrons make up 15 to 20% of all nephrons.
105
A: Juxtamedullary nephrons make up 15 to 20% of all nephrons.
A: The renal corpuscles of juxtamedullary nephrons lie deep in the renal cortex, close to the medulla.
106
Q: What is characteristic of the Loop of Henle in juxtamedullary nephrons?
Q: What are the characteristics of the ascending Loop of Henle in juxtamedullary nephrons?
A: Juxtamedullary nephrons have a long Loop of Henle.
A: The ascending Loop of Henle in juxtamedullary nephrons has both a thin and thick portion.
107
Q: How do long loops of Henle in juxtamedullary nephrons affect urine concentration?
A: Long loops of Henle allow the kidneys to excrete very dilute or very concentrated urine.
108
Which parts of the nephron are located in the renal cortex and renal medulla?
Renal Cortex:
- Renal corpuscle (glomerulus + Bowman’s capsule)
- Proximal convoluted tubule (PCT)
- Distal convoluted tubule (DCT)
Renal Medulla:
- Loop of Henle (descending and ascending limbs)
- Collecting ducts
109
Histology of the Nephron involves what components?
- Glomerulus
- Bowman's Capsule
- Renal tubules
110
Q: What are the characteristics of the glomerulus?
A:
- The glomerulus has large fenestrations (pores)
111
The glomerulus has large fenestrations/ pores. what does this mean?
- It is leaky, allowing solutes to leak out but not blood cells.
112
Q: What are the two layers of Bowman’s capsule?
A: Bowman’s capsule consists of:
- Visceral layer
- Parietal layer
113
Q: What is located between the visceral and parietal layers of Bowman’s capsule?
- What is the purpose of this space?
A: The space between the layers is the capsular space, which is the lumen where filtrate is collected.
114
Q: What are the parts of the renal tubules?
A: The three parts of the renal tubules are:
- Proximal Convoluted Tubule (PCT)
- Loop of Henle
- Distal Convoluted Tubule (DCT
115
What are the components of the loops of Henle?
- Descending and Ascending loops
116
What are the important cells of the DISTAL convoluted tubule (DCT)?
- Principal cells
- Intercalated cells
117
Q: What is the function of principal cells in the Distal Convoluted Tubule (DCT)?
- What is their role?
- A: Principal cells in the DCT have receptors for ADH (antidiuretic hormone) and aldosterone, playing a role in water and sodium balance.
118
Q: What is the role of intercalated cells in the DCT?
Homeostasis of blood pH
119
ADH function
Increases water reabsorption in kidney tubules.
reabsorption of water, elevation of blood volume and pressure
120
Aldosterone function
Aldosterone helps regulate blood pressure by increasing sodium and water retention in the kidneys.
It causes the distal convoluted tubule (DCT) to resorb more sodium, which in turn leads to water retention, increased plasma volume, and ultimately a rise in blood pressure.
This mechanism reduces sodium and water loss in urine by returning them to the blood.
