Renal System

 Learning objectives

By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:

• Describe the functions of the renal system and explain how it contributes to homeostasis
• Identify the kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra, internal and external sphincters
• Identify within the kidney:
  • the blood supply including renal artery and vein,
  • the capsule, cortex, medulla, pyramids, renal papilla, calyx, pelvis, ureter
  • cortical and juxtamedullary nephrons
• Identify the following structures within a nephron:
  • afferent and efferent arterioles, renal corpuscle, glomerulus, Bowman’s capsule (and structure of the filtration barrier), proximal convoluted tubule, descending and ascending limbs of the loop of Henle, vasa recta, peritubular capillaries, distal convoluted tubule and the collecting duct
• Identify the parts of the nephron responsible for filtration, reabsorption and secretion, and explain each of these processes
• Explain the Glomerular Filtration Rate
• Describe the intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms that control blood pressure in the kidney
• Explain how the countercurrent mechanism works to enable the kidneys to concentrate urine
• Explain why excess H+ may be produced and give examples of physiologic or pathologic acid-base disturbances
• Describe the micturition reflex
• Explain basic urinalysis results