Kidney and Nephron Structure + Function

Question 1

What is the primary function of the kidneys?

Answer 1

• maintain body fluid concentration
• maintain blood pressure
• maintain salt levels and PH concentration
• control internal environment by constantly filtering blood

Question 2

What is a nephron?

Answer 2

• microscopic structures in the kidney
• ## functional unit of the kidney

Question 3

What is the function of the nephron?

Answer 3

• empty into collecting ducts that lead to the renal pelvis
• renal pelvis empties into ureter which travels to the bladder

Question 4

What is the structure of a Nephron?

Answer 4

• nephron structure starts at the renal corpuscle
• it then leads to a convoluted section called the proximal convoluted tubule
• which then leads to the loop of Henle
• the tubule becomes convoluted again, this section is called distal convoluted tubule
• it then join to a collecting duct which then leads to the renal pelvis

Question 5

What is the structure of the Renal Corpuscle?

Answer 5

• divides into afferent and efferent arteriole
• the afferent forms a knot inside the glomerular capsule, called the glomerulus
• the efferent breaks up into a secondary capillary network surrounding nephron
  –> known as the peritubular capillaries

Question 6

What is the secondary capillary network surrounding the nephron called?

Answer 6

peritubular capillaries

Question 7

Summarise blood flow through the kidneys and nephrons, including the veins and arteries.

Answer 7

renal artery > afferent arteriole > glomerulus > efferent arteriole > peritubular capillaries > renal vein