Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

25. The Urinary System

The Kidneys

Anatomy & Physiology

25. The Urinary System

The Kidneys

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2:13 minutes

Problem 3

Textbook Question

Damage to the renal medulla would interfere first with the functioning of the
a. Glomerular capsules
b. Distal convoluted tubules
c. Collecting ducts
d. Proximal convoluted tubules

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the anatomy of the kidney: The kidney is divided into two main regions—the renal cortex (outer layer) and the renal medulla (inner layer). The renal medulla contains structures such as the renal pyramids, which house the loops of Henle and collecting ducts.

Identify the function of the renal medulla: The renal medulla plays a key role in concentrating urine. It contains the loops of Henle and collecting ducts, which are involved in water reabsorption and the establishment of a concentration gradient in the kidney.

Analyze the options provided: a) Glomerular capsules are located in the renal cortex, not the medulla. b) Distal convoluted tubules are primarily located in the cortex. c) Collecting ducts extend into the renal medulla and are directly involved in water reabsorption. d) Proximal convoluted tubules are located in the cortex.

Determine which structure is most affected by damage to the renal medulla: Since the collecting ducts are located in the medulla and are essential for concentrating urine, damage to the medulla would interfere with their function first.

Conclude that the correct answer is related to the structure most directly impacted by damage to the renal medulla, which is the collecting ducts.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Renal Medulla Function

The renal medulla is the innermost part of the kidney, playing a crucial role in the concentration of urine. It contains structures such as the collecting ducts and loops of Henle, which are essential for reabsorbing water and salts. Damage to this area can disrupt these processes, leading to impaired urine concentration and potential fluid imbalance.

Collecting Ducts

Collecting ducts are the final segments of the nephron where urine is concentrated before it enters the renal pelvis. They are influenced by hormones like antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which regulates water reabsorption. Damage to the renal medulla would primarily affect the collecting ducts, as they are located within this region and are vital for maintaining water balance.

Nephron Structure

The nephron is the functional unit of the kidney, consisting of various segments including the glomerulus, proximal convoluted tubule, loop of Henle, distal convoluted tubule, and collecting duct. Each part has specific roles in filtering blood, reabsorbing essential substances, and excreting waste. Understanding nephron structure is essential to grasp how damage to the renal medulla impacts overall kidney function.