Urinary/renal System

Question 1

What are the organs and accessory organs of the renal system?

Answer 1

2 kidneys, 2 ureters, bladder, urethra (2-3cm in females, 20ish cms in males)

Question 2

What are the functions of the renal system?

Answer 2

1. Major excretory organ - excretion of organic wastes, urea, uric acid, creatinine
2. Regulate blood volume and blood pressure
3. Regulate blood pH
4. Maintain blood osmolarity at around 300 mosml/L
5. Conservation of nutrients
6. Produce the enzyme renin (catalyses the formation of angiotensin I
7. Production of erythropoietin (stimulates rbc production in red marrow)
8. Produce calcitriol (activates vit D3)
9. Temporary storage of urine

Question 3

What is the name of the entry point for the renal artery, renal vein, lymphatic, and nerves?

Answer 3

The renal hilus

Question 4

What is the renal capsule?

Answer 4

Fibrous tissue that encases the kidneys

Question 5

What is the nephron?

Answer 5

The blood processing functional unit of the kidneys

Upward of 1 million per kidney

Question 6

Difference between the cortical and juxtamedullary nephrons

Answer 6

Cortical nephron makes up 80% of all and is located entirely (except for loop of henle) in the cortex

Juxtamedullary nephrons make up remaining 20% and have a long loop of henle extending deep into the medulla and have a vasta recta - important in the production of concentrated urine