Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

2025 SEM 2 HUMAN HISTOLOGY (LAB) > urinary system > Flashcards

urinary system Flashcards

(85 cards)

Start Studying
1
Q

urinary system consist of

A

Paired kidney
- filters blood

Ureters
- passageway leading to the bladder

Bladder
- storage of filtered blood (urine)

Urethra
- where the urine exits

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What organ filters the blood in the body?

A

kidney

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What is the liquid waste called after the blood is filtered?

A

urine
- filtered portion of the blood
- made of waste and extra water filtered from the blood

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

briefly explain what happens after the blood is filtered in the kidneys

A

once filtered, the filtrate will pass through the left and right ureter to the urinary bladder where it stores the urine/ filtered urine.
once the bladder is full, it will then pass through the urethra and exit out of the body.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

shape of the kidney

A

bean-shaped w a concave hilum
- where the ureter and the renal artery and vein enter

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

what does the ureter divides and subdivides into

A

several major and minor calyces
- attach to each minor calyx is a renal pyramid, a conical region of medulla delimited by extensions of cortex.

[ureter begins at the renal pelvis, which divides into several major calyces
→ further subdivides into minor calyces → attached to a renal pyramid (cone-shaped structure in the renal medulla)
*renal pyramids are separated by renal column]

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What is attached to each minor calyx?

A

renal pyramid
- located in the renal medulla

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

briefly explain the parenchyma of each kidney

A

outer renal cortex:
- pale granular outer region
- with many round corpuscles and tubules across sections.
- consist:
glomerular capsule or bowman’s capsule
[site of filtration and initial stages of urine formation]

  1. renal corpuscle
  2. renal tubule

inner renal medulla:
- inner striated darker region
- consists of mostly linear tubules and ducts.
- 8 to 15 conical structures called the renal pyramids

*each pyramid consists of the
- loop of henle
- collecting ducts
- papillary ducts

[concentrating urine and directing it toward the renal pelvis]

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What separates the renal pyramids in the medulla?

A

Renal columns (extensions of the cortex)
- found btwn the renal medulla and renal cortex

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What is the tip of a renal pyramid?

A

renal papilla
- it projects into a minor calyx to drain urine
- collects the urine formed in that pyramid. tgt, the pyramid and the overlying cortex form a renal lobe.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

A renal pyramid and the overlying renal cortex

A

renal lobe

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Where is the renal pyramid located?

A

located in the renal medulla.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

how many nephrons does each kidney contain

A

1-4 million functional units called nephrons

*each kidney contains approx 600 000 - 1.2 million nephrons

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

functional and structural unit of the kidney

A

Nephrons

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

what structures are found in the renal cortex

A

renal corpuscles
proximal convoluted tubules
distal convoluted tubules
cortical collecting tubules

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

main structure in the renal cortex that starts urine formation

A

renal corpuscle

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

correct flow of filtrate starting from the renal corpuscle

A

Renal corpuscle →
Proximal convoluted tubules →
Loop of Henle:
* Thin descending limb →
* Thin ascending limb →
* Thick ascending limb →
Distal convoluted tubules →
Connecting tubule / Collecting tubule→
Ureter

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What does each renal pyramid in the medulla contain

A
  1. loops of Henle
    [part of nephron that helps concentrate urine]
  2. collecting ducts
    [collect urine from multiple nephrons]
  3. papillary ducts
    [final channels that drain urine from the collecting ducts into the minor calyces]

*10 to 18 renal pyramids are typically in the renal medulla

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

briefly explain the major function of the kidneys

A
  1. Glomerular Filtration
    - water and solutes in the blood leave the vascular space and enter the lumen of the nephron.
    - filtering of blood in the glomerular capillaries.
    - regulation of body fluid and solute balance
  2. Tubular reabsorption
    - substances move from the tubular lumen across the epithelium into the interstitium and surrounding capillaries.
    - it reabsorbs useful materials like solutes and water.
  3. Tubular secretion
    - substances move from epithelial cells of the tubules into the lumens, usually after uptake from the surrounding interstitium and capillaries.
    - secretes metabolic waste products that are found in the urine and waste products that the body does not need.
  4. Excretion
    - remainder is excreted through urine.
    - excretion = filtration - reabsorption + secretion
  5. other functions:
    - secretion of hormones
    - regulation of BP
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

This is where the blood first passes through.

A

renal corpuscle
- where the filtration of blood occurs

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

small mass of capillaries within the renal
corpuscle that is housed within a bulbous
glomerular capsule

A

glomerulus
- resembles a blind pouched extension of the proximal tubule invaginated by u tuft of capillaries

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What are the small extensions of podocytes that form filtration slits?

A

Pedicels

[slits are part of the filtration barrier that helps filter blood while preventing large molecules (like proteins) from passing into the urine]

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

How does blood enter and leave the glomerulus?

A

enters - afferent arteriole
exits - efferent arteriole.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What happens to the blood that remains after filtration in the glomerulus?

A

leaves through the efferent arteriole and returns to the bloodstream
*filtrate that is left in the glomerulus, together with the waste products, will pass through the proximal convoluted tubule.

[glomerulus is a network of capillaries located inside the renal corpuscle.]

[Efferent arteriole → blood leaves the glomerulus
Filtrate → enters the nephron tubules for further processing]

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
briefly explain the flow of - blood - filtrate
(transes) [Flow of Blood (Black arrows): 1. Afferent arteriole Brings unfiltered blood into the glomerulus Enters at the vascular pole of the renal corpuscle 2. Glomerulus A network of capillaries where blood gets filtered Small molecules (like water, glucose, ions, and waste) pass through the capillary walls into the capsular space 3. Efferent arteriole Carries the remaining blood (that wasn’t filtered) out of the glomerulus This blood continues into a capillary network around the nephron for reabsorption and secretion Flow of Filtrate (Green arrows): 1. Filtrate is formed in the glomerulus It passes through three filtration layers: Endothelium of glomerulus Basement membrane Filtration slits between podocyte pedicels 2. Capsular space The filtered fluid (called filtrate) collects here 3. Tubular pole Filtrate exits the capsule at this point and enters the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) This is the beginning of the nephron tubule where reabsorption starts Remember: Blood flows in via the afferent arteriole, gets filtered, and leaves via the efferent arteriol Filtrate (which will become urine) flows from the capsular space into the nephron tubules]
26
it is a specialised cells, a row of columnar cells that is densely packed together.
Macula densa - special sensory structure of the distal tubule as it passes through the afferent and efferent arteriole at the vascular pole [located @ vascular pole, where the distal tubule touches both the afferent and efferent arterioles.] - monitoring ionic content and volume of the filtrate that is entering the afferent arteriole and exiting the efferent arteriole. (if it senses that the levels are low, it means the pressure of blood is low but when it is detected , it will send a signal to the juxtaglomerular apparatus.)
27
What does the macula densa monitor?
The ionic content and volume of the filtrate.
28
What happens if the macula densa senses low filtrate levels?
signals the juxtaglomerular apparatus that blood pressure may be low. - hence it secretes renin in response to low blood volume or pressure
29
a hormone that regulates blood pressure
renin - secreted by juxtaglomerular cells - it only secretes when there is a change in blood volume that enters the afferent arteriole
30
What type of epithelium makes up the outer wall of the renal corpuscle?
★ simple squamous epithelium or the parietal layer of the bowman’s corpuscle. *2 layers of bowman's capsule: Parietal layer - simple squamous epithelium Visceral layer - podocytes
31
Where is the macula densa located?
Near the efferent arterioles.
32
briefly explain how does the Filtration happen in the Renal Corpuscle
occurs using 3 structures in the Renal corpuscle: 1. Fenestrations of the capillary endothelium - which blocks blood cells and platelets. 2. Glomerular Basement Membrane - which restricts large proteins and some organic anions 3. Filtration slit diaphragms between pedicels - which restrict some small proteins and organic anions *It is important for the renal corpuscle to filter the anions, protein, rbc and other cells that the body needs as it will be wasteful if it does not filter.
33
where is the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) found
in the cortex of the kidney - after filtration in the renal corpuscle, the filtrate will enter the PCT
34
type of cells make up the PCT
★ simple cuboidal epithelium with brush borders (long microvilli).
35
main function of the PCT
Reabsorption of nutrients, proteins, water, and electrolytes; secretion of waste substances like H⁺, NH₄⁺, and organic ions. *through active transport, which requires ATP.
36
Why are PCT cells acidophilic?
as they have many mitochondria that produce ATP.
37
What happens to Vitamin D in the PCT?
- undergoes hydroxylation (a step needed to activate it) - liver and kidney help activate - EPO is produced by fibroblast-like cells near the PCT which helps the bone marrow produce more red blood cells (RBCs).
38
What hormone is produced by fibroblast-like interstitial cells near the PCT?
EPO - helps the bone marrow produce more red blood cells (RBCs).
39
This is a U-shaped structure with a thin descending limb and a thin ascending limb
Loop of Henle ★ simple squamous epithelia - simple squamous as it does not need much mitochondria as its function is passive reabsorption. hence, it does not need ATP
40
Why do the thin limbs have simple squamous cells?
as they perform passive reabsorption of Na⁺ and Cl⁻ - do not need much ATP
41
What type of cells line the thick ascending limb (TAL)
★ Simple cuboidal epithelium with many mitochondria. - as it performs active transport, which needs lots of ATP.
42
briefly explain the major functions of loop of henle
Passive reabsorption of Na+ and CI- (Thin limbs) Active reabsorption of various electrolyte (Thick limb)
43
true or false: DCT is the same with PCT but the only difference is that DCT does not have brush borders.
true
44
What type of epithelium lines the distal convoluted tubule (DCT)?
★ Simple cuboidal epithelium with no brush borders (no microvilli) - and an empty lumen
45
where is DCT located
DCT has an empty lumen and no brush borders, while PCT has brush borders and a fuzzy lumen.
46
What cells and structures are located near the DCT?
found in the cortex of the kidney. located near the macula densa juxtaglomerular apparatus (JGA).
47
main function of the DCT?
reabsorption of electrolytes it removes Na⁺ and adds K⁺ to the filtrate when stimulated by aldosterone. *aldosterone, produced by the renal (adrenal) gland.
48
Why do DCT cells appear lighter than PCT cells?
as they have fewer mitochondria, meaning less reabsorption activity.
49
What type of epithelium lines the collecting ducts?
★ Simple cuboidal epithelium. *2 main cells: Principal cells and intercalated cells
50
what does the collecting tubules and ducts are composed mainly of
pale staining principal cells - rich in aquaporins—integral membrane proteins that facilitate the movement of water molecules across the cell membrane. - key role in regulating water reabsorption into the bloodstream, especially under the influence of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) - ADH is secreted by posterior pituitary gland - when the body is dehydrated *Aquaporins are stored in cytoplasmic vesicles and are inserted into the apical membrane of principal cells in response to ADH.
51
where are aquaporins are stored
- in cytoplasmic vesicles - inserted into the apical membrane of principal cells in response to ADH. [ADH triggers these vesicles to move to and fuse with the apical membrane = Allows water reabsorption from the filtrate back into the body apical - inner surface of the cell that faces inside of a tubule]
52
what is scattered among the principal cells
variably darker intercalated cells with more abundant mitochondria and projecting apical folds. [intercalated cells are scattered among principal cells in the COLLECTING DUCT] - help maintain acid-base balance by secreting hydrogen or bicarbonate
53
briefly explain the major function of principal calls and intercalated cells
Principal cells: - regulated reabsorption of water & electrolytes - regulated secretion of K+ [Reabsorb water (via aquaporins in response to ADH) Reabsorb sodium (Na⁺) and secrete potassium (K⁺) (regulated by aldosterone)] Intercalated cells: - reabsorption of K+ (low-K+ diet) - help maintain acid-base balance
54
Specialized cells that carries the blood into the medullary to supply nutrients and oxygen to the cells.
Vasa recta - also remove water and solute that is continuously added into the medullary interstitium.
55
it is a small muscular tubule
ureter ★ lined with transitional epithelium - change shape to accommodate the change in volume
56
It carries urine from the renal pelvis to the urinary bladder.
Ureters
57
briefly explain the wall of ureter is composed of
Mucosa has 2 parts - Lamina propria - loose CT - Transitional epithelium Muscularis (middle layer): thick layer of (hard to distinguish both layers) - Inner longitudinal smooth muscle layer - Outer circular smooth muscle layer Adventitia: - Nerve fibers (gives nervous innervation) - Blood vessels- gives blood supply - CT - protection to the ureter
58
briefly explain the 3 layers of urinary bladder
Mucosa: - extensively folded transitional epithelium (gives distensibility or extensibility to have different form of the urinary bladder) - lamina propria Muscularis: three smooth muscle layers: - inner-longitudinal smooth muscle. - middle circular smooth muscle. - outer longitudinal smooth muscle Adventitia/serosa: - CT w a lining of mesothelium *Same layer with the ureter but the only difference is that it has thicker layer (of mucosa and muscularis) than ureters.
59
true or false: The urothelial lining (sa mucosa) of the ureter is thicker than that of the urinary bladder.
false - urinary bladder is thicker
60
in the urothelial lining, what is the shape of the - basal cells - middle layer cells - surface cells
- cuboidal or columnar - polygonal - dome-shaped and bulge into the lumen (when the bladder is empty/ relaxed state) 🔸 Dome-shaped when bladder is empty 🔸 Flat and stretched when bladder is full *urothelial found in the ureters, bladder, part of urethra - protects and stretches as urine flows and collects
61
it is a fibromuscular tube that carries urine from the bladder to the exterior of the body.
urethra
62
true or false: female urethra is longer
false - male urethra is longer
63
briefly explain the 3 segment of the male urethra
Prostatic urethra: 3 to 4 cm long ★ Lined by urothelium Membranous urethra: Short segment that passes through an external sphincter of striated muscle ★ lined by stratified columnar and pseudostratified columnar epithelium Spongy urethra: ~15 cm in length Enclose in the rectal tissue of the penis ★ lined by stratified columnar and pseudostratified columnar with stratified squamous ep distally
64
Is the female urethra a urinary, reproductive, or both types of organ
exclusively a urinary organ [means that the female urethra only carries urine out of the body. It does not have any role in the reproductive system.]
65
how long is the female urethra and what is it lined by
3-5 cm long ★ transitional epithelium/ urothelium which then transitions to non-keratinized stratified squamous.
66
What surrounds the middle part of the urethra in both males and females
External striated muscles (part of the external urethral sphincter)
67
characteristics of each kidney - weight - length - thickness - width
weight 125 to 170 g (men) 115 to 155 g (women) length: 11 - 12 cm thickness: 2.5 - 3 cm width: 5 - 7.5 cm
68
location of kidneys
Retroperitoneum, Perirenal Space
69
these are the the extensions of the renal cortex
renal column
70
it is composed of the nephron and the collecting duct
Uriniferous Tubule
71
briefly explain the 2 main populations of nephron
1. short-loop nephrons - at superficial and mid-cortical regions - Loop of Henle bends at various levels within the inner stripe of the outer medulla 2. long-loop nephrons (Juxtamedullary Nephrons) - near the corticomedullary junction - Loop of Henle extends deep into the inner medulla - Function: Establish and maintain the concentrating gradient in the medulla = producing concentrated urine [Short-Loop Nephrons - Stay mostly in the outer part of the kidney - Have a shorter loop of Henle - Do basic filtering of blood - Make less concentrated urine Long-Loop Nephrons (Juxtamedullary) - Go deeper into the inner part of the kidney - Have a longer loop of Henle - Help make concentrated urine by creating a salt gradient - Important for water conservation]
72
it is the entry of the renal sinus
renal hilus (or hilum) [indentation on the medial side of the kidney marks the entery ans exit point of the renal sinus]
73
it is located on medial or concave aspect of kidney
renal sinus contains: - major renal arteries and veins - lymphatics - neural structures - fat *pathway for tumor dissemination
74
pathway for tumor dissemination
renal sinus [it is a space inside the kidney that holds BV, lymph vessels, fat and part where urine collects. if a tumor reaches it = spread easily as it is close to the blood and lymph vessels and has no strong barrier to stop it and can travel to other parts of the body]
75
a conical region of medulla delimited by extensions of cortex
renal pyramid - this is attached to each minor calyx [conical region = cone-shaped]
76
how many small openings at the tip of papillae and what is it called
20 to 70 small openings called the Area cribrosa - represents the collecting ducts of Bellini
77
this collects urine formed by tubules in one lobe
minor calyx
78
what does fibrous capsule made out of
fibroelastic
79
what s the average renal lobes in each kidney
avg. of 14
80
it is a longitudinal striations extending from base of pyramids to cortex
medullary rays made up of straigh: - tubules such as straight part of the PCT - thick ascending limb of the loop of henle - collecting ducts [even though they’re called “medullary,” they are actually part of the renal cortex]
81
briefly explain the urine flow pathway
ureter ↓ renal pelvis ↓ 2-3 major calyx ↓ several minor calyx ↓ renal papillae
82
it is a central region that provides structural support for capillary tuft
mesangium
83
a double-walled epithelial capsule that protects the glomerulus
Glomerular Capsule (Bowman’s Capsule) visceral layer: - special cells called: podocytes - composed of complex epithelial - cells which cover each capillary forming slit-like spaces btwn interdigitating processes called pedicels parietal layer ★ simple sq ep - parietal cells - lining of ep of Bowman's capsule [this layer does not filter]
84
it is the lining ep of Bowman's capsule
Parietal Cells - capacity to transdifferentiate into podocytes - provide a barrier to macromolecules in Bowman's space leaking across Bowman's capsule int periglomerular space [They form a barrier to prevent large molecules in Bowman’s space from leaking out into the surrounding tissue They also have the potential to change (transdifferentiate) into podocytes when needed (for repair or regeneration)]
85
its space situated between the two epithelial layers of Bowman’s capsule
Bowman’s Space

2025 SEM 2 HUMAN HISTOLOGY (LAB) (17 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions