Nephrons Flashcards
(26 cards)
What is a nephron?
The functional unit of the kidney responsible for filtering blood and producing urine.
How many nephrons are typically found in a human kidney?
About 1 million nephrons.
True or False: Nephrons are only found in the kidneys.
True.
What are the two main parts of a nephron?
The renal corpuscle and the renal tubule.
Fill in the blank: The renal corpuscle consists of the ______ and the glomerulus.
Bowman’s capsule.
Which part of the nephron is primarily responsible for filtration?
The glomerulus.
What is the primary function of the renal tubule?
To reabsorb water and solutes from the filtrate and secrete wastes.
Multiple Choice: Which segment of the nephron is responsible for the majority of solute reabsorption? A) Proximal convoluted tubule B) Loop of Henle C) Distal convoluted tubule D) Collecting duct
A) Proximal convoluted tubule.
What is the role of the Loop of Henle?
To create a concentration gradient in the medulla for urine concentration.
True or False: The distal convoluted tubule is primarily involved in water reabsorption.
False.
What hormone regulates water reabsorption in the collecting duct?
Antidiuretic hormone (ADH).
Fill in the blank: The nephron’s filtration process is driven by ______ pressure.
glomerular.
What is the significance of the juxtaglomerular apparatus?
It regulates blood pressure and the filtration rate of the glomerulus.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following substances is NOT typically filtered by the nephron? A) Glucose B) Amino acids C) Blood cells D) Urea
C) Blood cells.
What is the main waste product excreted by the nephron?
Urea.
True or False: Nephrons can regenerate after injury.
False.
Short Answer: Describe the process of tubular reabsorption.
The process by which the nephron reabsorbs water and essential solutes back into the bloodstream.
What is nephron hypertrophy?
An increase in the size of nephrons, often compensating for lost nephron function.
Fill in the blank: The nephron’s primary function is to maintain ______ balance in the body.
homeostatic.
What role do peritubular capillaries play in nephron function?
They facilitate the exchange of substances between the nephron and the blood.
Multiple Choice: Which part of the nephron is involved in secretion? A) Glomerulus B) Proximal convoluted tubule C) Loop of Henle D) All of the above
B) Proximal convoluted tubule.
True or False: Nephrons can be classified into two types: cortical and juxtamedullary.
True.
What is the average length of a nephron?
About 3 centimeters.
Fill in the blank: The nephron’s filtration barrier consists of endothelial cells, a ______ membrane, and podocytes.
basement.
