Excretory System

Organs

100

This organ filters blood, removing waste products and excess substances to form urine.

Kidney

200

The paired tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder are known as...

Ureters

300

This muscular organ stores urine until it is ready to be eliminated from the body.

Bladder

400

This region of the kidney contains the renal pyramids, which are made up of collecting ducts.

Renal Medulla

500

The process by which substances move from the blood of the glomerulus into the Bowman's capsule is known as...

Glomerular filtration / filtration

Metabolic Waste

100

Does everything contained within the glomerulus filter into the Bowman’s capsule?

No – plasma proteins, blood cells & platelets are too large.

200

Does everything that was filtered into the Bowman’s capsule become urine?

No

(without reabsorption, 120 mL of urine would be formed each minute…1 L of water must be consumed every 10 minutes)

300

The last stage involves the movement of wastes from the blood back into the nephron. This primarily occurs via active transport. Which organelle is likely found in high concentration within the cells that line the tubules involved with secretion?

Mitochondria

400

This nitrogenous waste, a byproduct of protein metabolism, is a major component of urine.

Urea

500

An ________ gradient forms and pulls water into the interstitial fluid (ISF).

Osmotic

Nephrons

100

This microscopic unit within the kidney is responsible for filtering blood and forming urine.

Nephron

200

The specialized structure at the beginning of the nephron that filters blood is called the...

renal corpuscle

300

The loop of Henle, a crucial part of the nephron, is responsible for the _________ of water and electrolytes.

Reabsorption

400

The proximal convoluted tubule reabsorbs the majority of these substances from the filtrate.

water, glucose, and amino acids

500

The collecting ducts of the nephron are under the influence of this hormone, which regulates water reabsorption.

antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

Kidney Investigations

100

When an individual consumes a large amount of salty food, what would the kidney do to maintain electrolyte balance?

1. Increased Sodium Intake: Consuming salty food raises blood sodium levels.

2. Kidney Response: Kidneys release ADH.

3. Water Retention:ADH increases water reabsorption by the kidneys.

4. Dilution of Sodium: Dilutes blood sodium concentration.

5. Excretion: Excess sodium is excreted in urine.

6. Electrolyte Balance:Maintains electrolyte balance by preventing excessive sodium concentration in the blood.

200

If someone engages in persistent smoking, how might the harmful effects of smoking contribute to disruptions in kidney function and homeostasis?

1. Vasoconstriction: Reducing blood flow to the kidneys.
2. Hypertension: Contributing to high blood pressure.
3. Reduced Renal Blood Flow: Affecting filtration efficiency.
4. Inflammation and Oxidative Stress: Damaging kidney tissues.
5. Kidney Stone Formation: Increasing the risk of stones.
6. Altered Immune Response: Weakening kidney immunity.
7. Increased Diabetes Risk: Elevating the risk of diabetic nephropathy.
8. Toxic Effects: Harming kidneys with tobacco constituents.
9. RAAS Disruption: Impacting blood pressure regulation.
10. CKD Risk: Raising the likelihood of chronic kidney disease.

300

What is a diuretic?

substance (or medication) that increases urine production, promoting the elimination of excess water and electrolytes from the body.

400

What would happen to the release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and how might the kidneys be affected if an individual consumes a significant amount of alcohol? How does this relate to fluid balance and homeostasis in the body?

inhibits the release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH). ADH is responsible for promoting water reabsorption by the kidneys, reducing urine production. When alcohol suppresses ADH:

1. Reduced ADH Release:

   • Alcohol inhibits the release of ADH from the pituitary gland.

2. Increased Urine Production:

   • With lower levels of ADH, the kidneys reabsorb less water, leading to increased urine production.

3. Dehydration Risk:

   • Excessive urine output can contribute to dehydration, as the body loses more water than usual.

4. Electrolyte Imbalance:

   • Increased urine production can lead to the loss of electrolytes, disrupting the body's electrolyte balance.

5. Impaired Fluid Homeostasis:

   • The inhibition of ADH and increased urine production disrupts the normal regulation of fluid balance and homeostasis in the body.

500

An individual regularly takes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to manage chronic pain, and how might these effects relate to kidney function and homeostasis?

Regular NSAID use for chronic pain may:

Decrease Renal Blood Flow:

   - Impairing kidney blood flow.

Risk of AKI:

   - Increased acute kidney injury risk.

Edema and Fluid Retention:

   - Inducing water retention.

Electrolyte Imbalance:

   - Disrupting electrolyte levels.

Impaired Diuretic Response:

   - Reducing diuretic effectiveness.

Disorders

100

How is urine used to determine if individuals have a unrinary tract infection (UTI)?

A urine sample is examined under a microscope to check for the presence of white blood cells, red blood cells, or bacteria. An increased number of white blood cells is a sign of an immune response to infection.

200

This condition, characterized by the formation of hard deposits in the kidneys, can lead to severe pain and blockages.

Kidney Stones

300

How is urine used to determine if individuals have diabetes mellitus?

Urine is tested for glucose, as its presence may indicate diabetes mellitus. In diabetes, elevated blood glucose levels can spill into the urine, making glucose a key marker in diagnosing the condition

400

How is urine used to determine if individuals have a hypertension?

Urinalysis may be done to check for signs of kidney damage associated with long-term hypertension, such as protein in the urine.

500

How is urine used to determine if individuals have kidney disease?

Presence of protein, blood cells, or other abnormalities may indicate kidney dysfunction. Additionally, measuring creatinine levels in urine helps assess kidney filtration