Structure
This is the functional unit of the kidney.
Nephron
This process removes substances from the blood into the nephron.
Filtration
The urinary system helps maintain this stable internal balance.
Homeostasis
This system sends signals that control urination.
Nervous system
These form when minerals crystallize in the kidneys.
Kidney stones
This structure carries urine from the kidney to the bladder.
Ureter
This process returns useful substances back to the bloodstream.
Reabsorption
This is the main way the kidneys help regulate water levels in the body.
Adjusting water reabsorption (urine concentration)
This type of muscle contracts to push urine out of the bladder.
Smooth muscle (detrusor muscle)
This infection commonly affects the urinary tract.
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
This structure filters blood at the start of the nephron.
Glomerulus
This process adds additional wastes to the filtrate.
Secretion
These are charged particles that must be kept in balance (ex: sodium, potassium).
Electrolytes
These receptors detect when the bladder is full.
Stretch receptors
This condition involves long-term loss of kidney function.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
This structure allows the bladder to stretch as it fills.
Transitional epithelium
These three processes work together to form urine. Name them.
Filtration, Reabsorption, Secretion
This is what pH measures in the body.
Acidity/basicity (hydrogen ion concentration)
These two systems must work together to control urination.
Nervous system and muscular system
This treatment is used when kidneys can no longer filter blood.
Dialysis
If the Loop of Henle is not functioning properly, how will urine concentration be affected and why?
Urine will be more diluted because water reabsorption is disrupted
A patient is losing glucose in their urine. Which process is not functioning AND what is the consequence for the body?
Reabsorption → loss of nutrients → potential energy imbalance
A patient’s kidneys cannot regulate electrolytes. Predict TWO effects this would have on the body and explain why.
Imbalance → affects nerve/muscle function, disrupts homeostasis
If the detrusor muscle cannot contract, what will happen to urination and why?
Urine cannot be expelled → retention
A kidney stone blocks the ureter. Explain how this affects kidney function and why it can lead to damage.
Backup of urine → pressure → damage → reduced filtration