1-Renal System A&P and Assessment-SAB

200 Practice Flashcards covering Renal System Anatomy, Physiology, and Assessment concepts as presented in the lecture notes.

Regulatory Functions of the Kidneys

Regulate volume and composition of extracellular fluid (ECF), maintain acid-base homeostasis, and eliminate waste products.

Hormonal Functions of the Kidneys

Regulate blood pressure via renin, stimulate erythropoietin release for RBC production, and activate vitamin D for calcium metabolism.

A WET BED

A mnemonic for kidney functions: Acid-base balance, Water balance, Electrolyte balance, Toxin removal, Blood pressure control, Erythropoietin production, and Vitamin D activation.

A (Mnemonic Component)

Acid-Base Balance.

W (Mnemonic Component)

Water Balance.

E (Mnemonic Component)

Electrolyte Balance.

T (Mnemonic Component)

Toxin Removal.

B (Mnemonic Component)

Blood Pressure Control.

E (Mnemonic Component - Second E)

Erythropoietin Production.

D (Mnemonic Component)

Vitamin D Activation.

Kidney Organs

Includes the left and right kidneys, located near the abdominal aorta and inferior vena cava.

Renal Capsule

The outer protective layer of the kidney structure.

Minor Calyx

The structure into which the renal papillae drain urine.

Major Calyx

The convergence of multiple minor calyces that leads into the renal pelvis.

Medullary Pyramid

Cone-shaped tissues of the kidney that contain the nephrons and tubules.

Renal Pelvis

The funnel-like dilated part of the ureter in the kidney where urine collects.

Hilum (Kidney)

The point of entry and exit for the renal artery, renal vein, and ureter.

Renal Artery

The blood vessel that supplies oxygenated blood from the abdominal aorta to the kidney.

Renal Vein

The blood vessel that carries deoxygenated blood from the kidney to the inferior vena cava.

Ureter

The tube that carries urine from the renal pelvis to the urinary bladder.

Collecting Ducts

The final part of the renal tubule system that drains into the papilla.

Renal Cortex

The outer portion of the kidney between the renal capsule and the renal medulla.

Renal Medulla

The innermost part of the kidney containing the renal pyramids.

Renal Papilla

The apex of a renal pyramid that points toward the minor calyx.

Column of Bertin

A medullary extension of the renal cortex in between the renal pyramids.

Parenchyma

The functional part of the kidney, consisting of the cortex and the medullary pyramids.

Arcuate Artery and Vein

Vessels located at the border of the renal cortex and renal medulla.

Interlobular Arteries

Small renal blood vessels branching from the arcuate arteries into the cortex.

Interlobar Arteries

Blood vessels that pass through the renal columns between the medullary pyramids.

Bowman’s Capsule

The cup-like sac at the beginning of the tubular component of a nephron.

Glomerulus

A network of capillaries where blood is filtered in the nephron.

Efferent Arteriole

The blood vessel that carries blood away from the glomerulus.

Afferent Arteriole

The blood vessel that carries blood into the glomerulus.

Juxtaglomerular (JG) Apparatus

A specialized structure formed by the distal convoluted tubule and the afferent arteriole that regulates blood pressure.

Distal Convoluted Tubule (DCT)

A portion of the kidney nephron between the loop of Henle and the collecting duct system.

Peritubular Capillaries

Tiny blood vessels that travel alongside nephrons allowing reabsorption and secretion.

Ascending Limb of Henle Loop

The segment of the loop of Henle that carries filtrate toward the distal convoluted tubule.

Proximal Convoluted Tubule (PCT)

The section of the renal tubule where bulk reabsorption of water and solutes occurs.

Descending Limb of Henle Loop

The segment of the loop of Henle that carries filtrate down into the medulla.

Macula Densa

Cells in the distal convoluted tubule that monitor sodium chloride concentration.

Granular Cells

Renin-producing cells found in the juxtaglomerular complex.

Renal Blood Flow Rate

The kidneys receive $600\text{--}1300\,\text{mL}$ of blood per minute.

Percentage of Cardiac Output to Kidneys

Estimated to be between $20\%\text{--}25\%$.

Step 1 of Urine Formation

Glomerular Filtration.

Step 2 of Urine Formation

Tubular Reabsorption.

Step 3 of Urine Formation

Tubular Secretion.

Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)

Approximately $125\,\text{mL/min}$.

Hydrostatic Pressure

The force that filters blood through the semipermeable membrane in the glomerulus.

Glomerular Filtrate

The fluid that passes from the blood through the capillary walls of the glomeruli into Bowman’s capsule.

Filtrate Constituents (Normal)

Under normal conditions, it does not contain blood cells, platelets, or large plasma proteins.

Fluid Balance Regulation

Substances move from renal tubules back into capillaries to maintain balance.

Normal Daily Urine Output

Between $1\text{--}3\,\text{liters}$ per day.

Urea Reabsorption Rate

About $50\%$ of the urea in the filtrate is reabsorbed.

Creatinine Reabsorption

Creatinine is not reabsorbed in the renal tubules.

Renal Threshold

The point at which a substance in the blood can no longer be fully reabsorbed and appears in the urine.

Glucose Threshold

$180\,\text{mg/dL}$.

Tubular Secretion Function

Regulates acid-base balance by adjusting potassium ($K^+$) and hydrogen ($H^+$) ion levels.

Renin Site of Production

Juxtaglomerular cells.

Renin Primary Function

Regulates blood pressure by activating the renin-angiotensin system.

Angiotensin II Site of Formation

Formed in systemic circulation.

Angiotensin II Primary Functions

Constricts blood vessels and stimulates aldosterone release.

Erythropoietin Site of production

Peritubular capillaries.

Erythropoietin Primary Function

Stimulates red blood cell (RBC) production in the bone marrow.

Vitamin D Production Site

Proximal tubules.

Vitamin D Primary Function

Regulates calcium and phosphorus metabolism; essential for bone health.

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH) Site of Action

Collecting ducts.

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH) Primary Function

Increases water reabsorption, reducing urine output.

Aldosterone site of Action

Distal tubules.

Aldosterone Primary Functions

Promotes sodium and water retention and potassium excretion.

Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP) Source

Produced in the atria of the heart.

Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP) Function

Promotes sodium and water excretion and lowers blood pressure.

Prostaglandins (Renal) Site

Renal medulla.

Prostaglandins (Renal) Primary Function

Causes vasodilation, regulates renal blood flow, and handles inflammation.

RAAS Trigger: Low Blood Pressure

Direct signal that stimulates the secretion of renin from the juxtaglomerular apparatus.

RAAS Trigger: Low Blood Sodium

Conditions signaling decreased tissue perfusion that stimulate renin release.

RAAS Trigger: Low Blood Volume

A condition that activates the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System.

Angiotensinogen

A precursor protein produced by the liver that is acted upon by renin.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE)

The enzyme (found in lungs) that converts Angiotensin I into Angiotensin II.

Effects of Angiotensin II on Arterioles

Causes rapid constriction of systemic arteries and veins, increasing peripheral resistance.

Angiotensin II Effect on Glomerular Filtration

Constriction of afferent arterioles leads to decreased glomerular filtration.

Aldosterone Effect on Kidney

Increased kidney reabsorption of sodium ($Na^+$) and water ($H_2O$).

Outcome of RAAS Activation

Increased blood volume and maintenance of adequate tissue perfusion.

Ureteropelvic Junction (UPJ)

The point where the renal pelvis joins the ureter.

Ureterovesical Junction (UVJ)

The point where the ureter joins the urinary bladder.

Renal Colic

Pain caused by obstruction at the narrowed junctions of the ureters.

Trigone

A triangular area of the bladder floor formed by the two ureteral openings and the bladder neck.

Detrusor

The smooth muscle of the bladder wall.

Urachus

The attachment between the bladder and the abdominal wall.

Bladder Function as a Reservoir

Serves to store urine; it does not absorb it.

Micturition

The act of urination or voiding.

Normal Adult Urine Output (Daily)

$1500\,\text{mL/day}$.

Mild Distention (Bladder)

Occurs at $200\text{--}250\,\text{mL}$, creating an urge to urinate.

Moderate Distention (Bladder)

Occurs at $400\text{--}600\,\text{mL}$, making the patient feel uncomfortable.

Total Bladder Capacity

$600\text{--}1000\,\text{mL}$.

Internal Urinary Sphincter

Involuntary smooth muscle at the bladder-urethra junction.

External Urinary Sphincter

Voluntary skeletal muscle controlling the exit of urine from the body.

Male Urethra Length

$6\text{--}8\,\text{inches}$.

Female Urethra Length

$1\text{--}1.5\,\text{inches}$.

External Meatus

The opening of the urethra to the outside of the body.

Urethrovesical Unit

Formed by the bladder, urethra, and pelvic floor muscles for voluntary control of continence.