H3 Urinary System Lecture Notes Review

Flashcards created to help review key concepts from the lecture notes on the urinary system.

What are the main functions of the urinary system?

Production, storage, and elimination of urine; filtration; and absorption.

What is the functional unit of the kidney?

The nephron.

What is the role of the kidneys in hormone production?

They produce hormones such as erythropoietin and activate Vitamin D.

What type of epithelium lines the transitional epithelium in the ureter?

Transitional epithelium.

What are the components of a renal corpuscle?

Glomerulus surrounded by a capsule.

What happens to urine formation after the blood passes through the glomerulus?

It collects in Bowman’s capsule and moves to the renal tubule.

What is the main reabsorption function of the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT)?

Reabsorbs water, salts, potassium, phosphate, bicarbonate, glucose, and amino acids.

What is the role of the Juxtaglomerular apparatus?

It helps monitor osmolarity and regulates blood pressure by releasing renin.

What regulates water balance in the collecting ducts?

Anti-Diuretic Hormone (ADH).

What is the primary structural difference between the relaxed and distended urinary bladder?

In the relaxed state, the epithelium has 5-6 layers; in the distended state, it appears as 3-4 layers.

What epithelium lines the male urethra?

Transitional epithelium in the prostatic portion, pseudostratified columnar or stratified epithelium in other portions, and stratified squamous at the fossa navicularis.

What structure aids in the filtration of blood in the glomerulus?

The glomerular basement membrane.