BIO210L EQ 9

Kidneys

Primary organ of the urinary system located in the abdominal cavity, against the posterior wall, and behind the parietal peritoneum

What holds the kidneys In place?

Masses of adipose tissue, levels them between T12 and L3

Is the right kidney or left kidney lower?

Right kidney is lower due to the liver near its border

Kidney Function

Regulate blood volume, BP, pH of blood, control water and electrolyte concentrations, convert vitamin D to its active form, and secreter renin / erythropoietin

Ureters

Movement of their muscular walls force urine with peristaltic waves into the urinary bladder

Urethera

Conveys urine to outside the body

Nephrons

Each kidney contains about 1 million, serves as a basic structural and functional unit of the kidney. About 85% of nephrons are critical nephrons

Nephron Tubule

Made up of glomerular capsule, proximal convoluted tubule, nephron loop, and distal convoluted tubule. Multicellular and surrounded by blood vessels.

Collecting Duct

Where nephrons merge and drain

Juxtamedullary Nephrons

Long nephron loops that extend deep into the renal medulla

Three Processes Leading to Urine

Glomerular filtration, tubular reabsorption, tubular secretion