Renal System

Question 1

Functions of the kidneys

Answer 1

excretion of: metabolic waste products, drug metabolites, hormonal metabolites, byproducts of protein metabolism

maintain water and electrolyte balance

regular arterial bp

regulate acid balance base

regulate RBC production

regulate calcitriol

Question 2

how do the kidneys help maintain electrolyte and water balance

Answer 2

when we are dehydrated less water and electrolytes are excreted and more reabsorbed

Question 3

how do the kidneys help maintain arterial bp

Answer 3

constrictions of nephrons and tubules and release of hormones

Question 4

how do kidneys regulate RBC production

Answer 4

during hypoxia they release erythropoietin (EPO) which stimulates RBC production

Question 5

symptoms of kidney failure

Answer 5

haematuria
blood pressure issues
breathlessness
oedema
ketoacidosis
anaemia

Question 6

renal capsule

Answer 6

fibrous outer layer
provides protection
keeps in place

Question 7

renal cortex

Answer 7

outer layer
layer of fat

Question 8

renal medulla

Answer 8

middle
organised into pyramids

Question 9

renal pelvis

Answer 9

renal pyramids feed into papillae into the renal pelvis to reach the urinary system.

consist of major calyces and minor calyces

Question 10

renal artery

Answer 10

branches from aorta and gets narrower until it is at capillary level

Question 11

urine formation: glomerular filtration

Answer 11

fluids, electrolytes and waste products are filtered from the blood

Question 12

urine formation: selective reabsorption

Answer 12

useful molecules are reabsorbed

Question 13

urine formation: tubular secretion

Answer 13

excretion occurs, urine formed and enters the bladder

Question 14

Afferent V Efferent arterioles

Answer 14

blood enters the glomerulus via the afferent arteriole and leaves via the efferent arteriole

afferent is larger in diameter, so this creates a pressure gradient

Question 15

What structure surrounds the glomerulus?

Answer 15

Bowman’s capsule

Question 16

what does glomerular filtration rate mean?

Answer 16

the volume of blood that passes through the glomeruli each minute

Question 17

What happens at the proximal convoluted tubule?

Answer 17

selective reabsorption of useful molecules such as glucose and hormones

Question 18

What happens at the distal convoluted tubule?

Answer 18

more waste is absorbed from blood urine is formed

Question 19

What happens at the loop of henle?

Answer 19

water reabsorption

Question 20

how are capillaries in the glomerulus specialised?

Answer 20

they have fenestrations which allow small molecules to exit

Question 21

What is the function of podocytes and where are they found

Answer 21

epithelial cells of Bowman’s capsule
prevent proteins from entering the urine

Question 22

What is the basal lamina?

Answer 22

a collagen structure which prevents the filtration of larger proteins

Question 23

descending v ascending limb of the loop of Henle

Answer 23

descending = passive movement of water, endothelial cells are permeable, filtrate becomes concentrated

ascending = less permeable, epithelial cells are deeper and contain more mitochondria. sodium and chloride ions are reabsorbed

Question 24

4 ways which urine formation contributes to homeostasis

Answer 24

water volume in blood
Ion concentration
Waste product concentration
pH of blood

Question 25

Furosemide: what is it for, what does it do, where,

Answer 25

used to treat left ventricular failure reduces the volume of fluid circulating and reduces pre load on heart & reduced pulmonary oedema Has its effect on the loop of Henle inhibits sodium and chloride reabsorption more urine and less blood volume

Question 26

renal autoregulation of GFR

Answer 26

changes detected in the Macula Densa (part of DCT)(release renin) Adjusts GFR in response to normal variations in BP

Question 27

Neural regulation of GFR

Answer 27

sympathetic nervous system controls constriction of arterioles supplying the glomerulus (if bp rises than afferent arteriole constricts)

Question 28

Hormonal regulation of GFR

Answer 28

longest lasting responds to long term changes in bp hormones involved: angiotensin II, Atrial natriuretic peptide, ADH and aldosterone

Question 29

simple overview of what dialysis is

Answer 29

ultra filtrated water running next to a patient's blood stream, with a very thin membrane, which creates a concentration gradient needed to reabsorb/ get rid of toxins, ions etc.

Question 30

5 factors that affect urine output

Answer 30

amount of fluid intake type of fluid intake substances in diet environmental factors emotional state