Kidney Anatomy & Location
Where are the kidneys located in the body?
In the back, just above the waist, behind the peritoneum.
What is the basic functional unit of the kidney?
The nephron.
What does the proximal convoluted tubule do?
Reabsorbs and secretes substances.
Where does urine formation begin?
In the nephrons.
What is the main job of the kidneys?
Maintain homeostasis.
What protects the kidneys from external damage?
Fat, connective tissue, and the rib cage.
How many nephrons does each kidney have on average?
900,000–1,000,000.
What is the main function of the loop of Henle?
Reabsorbs water and salts.
What structure does urine drip into after the collecting ducts?
The calyces.
Name one electrolyte the kidneys help balance.
Sodium, potassium, calcium, etc.
Which kidney sits slightly lower and why?
The right kidney, because of the liver.
What is the glomerulus?
A ball of tiny capillaries that filters blood
What does the distal convoluted tubule regulate?
Water volume and mineral levels.
What percentage of filtrate becomes urine?
About 1%.
What hormone do kidneys make to support red blood cell production?
Erythropoietin.
What is the renal hilum?
.
The indentation where the renal artery, vein, and ureter enter/exit.
What is glomerular filtrate?
Water and small waste products filtered from the blood
What does the collecting duct do?
Gathers urine and reabsorbs peptides.
What is the path of urine from kidney to outside the body?
Calyx → renal pelvis → ureter → bladder → urethra.
How do kidneys help control blood pressure?
By adjusting blood volume and vessel tension.
What hormone is produced in the cortex and medulla?
Erythropoietin.
What is the difference between afferent and efferent arterioles?
Afferent arrives; efferent exits
What is the renal corpuscle made of?
The glomerulus and Bowman’s capsule.
What happens when nephrons are damaged?
Proteins and large cells may leak into urine.
What happens if body fluids become too acidic?
Proteins break down and enzymes stop working.