Kidney Review Answers

Renin

A hormone produced by the kidneys that regulates blood pressure.

Erythropoietin

A hormone produced by the kidneys that stimulates red blood cell production.

Renal cortex

The outer region of the kidney.

Renal medulla

The inner layer of the kidney composed of renal pyramids.

Renal pyramids

Structures in the renal medulla separated by renal columns.

Minor calyx

Small cup-like structures that collect urine from renal papillae.

Major calyx

Larger cup-like structures that collect urine from minor calyces.

Renal pelvis

The space inside the kidney where urine collects before moving to the ureter.

Ureter

The tube that carries urine from the kidneys to the bladder.

Urethra

The tube through which urine exits the body.

Segmental arteries

Arteries that branch from the renal artery and supply the kidney.

Cortical radiate arteries

Arteries that branch from the arcuate arteries and supply the renal cortex.

Afferent arteriole

The blood vessel that carries blood to the glomerulus.

Glomerulus

A network of capillaries where filtration occurs in the kidney.

Efferent arteriole

The blood vessel that carries filtered blood away from the glomerulus.

Peritubular capillaries

Networks of capillaries that surround the renal tubule.

Nephron

The functional unit of the kidney.

Renal corpuscle

The part of the nephron that consists of the glomerulus and Bowman's capsule.

Bowman's capsule

The cup-shaped structure that surrounds the glomerulus.

Proximal convoluted tubule

The first segment of the renal tubule where reabsorption occurs.

Distal convoluted tubule

The segment of the renal tubule after the nephron loop.

Collecting duct

The duct that collects urine from multiple nephrons.

Filtrate

The fluid that is filtered from the blood into the nephron.

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR)

The rate at which blood is filtered in the glomeruli.

Myogenic feedback

The autoregulation mechanism in the kidneys that protects glomeruli from high blood pressure.

Angiotensin II

A hormone that raises blood pressure by vasoconstriction and fluid retention.

Aldosterone

A hormone that promotes sodium reabsorption in the kidneys.

ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone)

A hormone that promotes water reabsorption in the kidneys.

Osmotic gradient

A difference in solute concentration that influences the movement of water.

Diuretics

Chemicals that enhance urine output.

Kidney stones

Solid deposits formed in the kidneys, clinically known as renal calculi.

Micturition

The process of urination, stimulated by bladder stretch.

Transitional epithelium

The lining of the bladder that allows for stretching.

Detrusor muscle

The smooth muscle layer of the bladder that facilitates urination.