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The Kidneys quiz #1

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  • What is the function of the renal capsule in the kidney?
    The renal capsule is a tough, fibrous layer that covers the kidney and serves as a protective barrier against physical trauma and infection.
  • Describe the role of the renal hilum in the kidney.
    The renal hilum is a characteristic dip on the medial surface of the kidney where the ureter and blood vessels enter and exit the organ.
  • What are the three main internal regions of the kidney, and what are their characteristics?
    The three main internal regions are the renal cortex (outer, light-colored, granular), the renal medulla (middle, contains darker, cone-shaped renal pyramids and renal columns), and the renal pelvis (central, funnel-shaped urine collection structure).
  • How are the kidneys anchored and protected within the body?
    The kidneys are anchored by the renal fascia (dense connective tissue) and cushioned by the adipose capsule (fatty tissue), which acts as a shock absorber.
  • What structures are found within the renal medulla, and what are their functions?
    The renal medulla contains renal pyramids, which are cone-shaped masses involved in urine formation, and renal columns, which are inward extensions of cortical tissue that separate the pyramids.
  • Explain the pathway of urine from its formation to its exit from the kidney.
    Urine forms in the renal cortex and medulla, drains from the papilla of renal pyramids into minor calyces, then into major calyces, collects in the renal pelvis, and finally exits through the ureter.
  • What is the function of the minor and major calyces in the kidney?
    Minor calyces collect urine from the papilla of renal pyramids, and several minor calyces converge to form major calyces, which then drain urine into the renal pelvis.
  • How does the appearance and tissue type of the renal cortex differ from the renal medulla?
    The renal cortex is light in color and granular, while the renal medulla is darker and contains striated, cone-shaped renal pyramids separated by renal columns made of cortical tissue.
  • What is the function of the renal capsule in the kidney?
    The renal capsule is a tough, fibrous layer that covers the kidney and serves as a protective barrier against physical trauma and infection.
  • Describe the role of the renal hilum in the kidney.
    The renal hilum is a characteristic dip on the medial surface of the kidney where the ureter and blood vessels enter and exit the organ.
  • Which organ filters the blood in the human body?
    The kidneys filter the blood.
  • How do the kidneys help to regulate blood pressure?
    The kidneys help regulate blood pressure by controlling the volume of blood (by adjusting water excretion) and releasing hormones such as renin.
  • What organ removes waste from the blood?
    The kidneys remove waste from the blood.
  • What is the term for abnormal hardening of the kidney?
    Abnormal hardening of the kidney is known as nephrosclerosis.
  • At what area does the renal artery enter the kidney?
    The renal artery enters the kidney at the renal hilum.
  • Where does a renal pyramid void urine into?
    A renal pyramid voids urine into a minor calyx.
  • Which apparatus in the kidney releases renin?
    The juxtaglomerular apparatus in the kidney releases renin.
  • What are kidney stones least likely to be composed of?
    Kidney stones are least likely to be composed of substances other than calcium, uric acid, or struvite; the least common are cystine stones.
  • What are the tips of renal pyramids called?
    The tips of renal pyramids are called renal papillae.
  • Which organ removes waste products from the blood?
    The kidneys remove waste products from the blood.
  • Where does urea enter the blood?
    Urea enters the blood in the liver, where it is produced as a waste product of protein metabolism.
  • What is the term for inflammation of the renal pelvis?
    Inflammation of the renal pelvis is called pyelitis.
  • What is a surgical incision into the kidney called?
    A surgical incision into the kidney is called a nephrotomy.
  • Why is the right kidney slightly lower than the left?
    The right kidney is slightly lower because it is displaced by the presence of the liver above it.
  • Which kidney is positioned lower in the body?
    The right kidney is positioned lower than the left kidney.
  • Into what do renal papillae drain?
    Renal papillae drain into minor calyces.
  • Which organ filters the blood?
    The kidneys filter the blood.
  • Which organ is responsible for filtering blood?
    The kidneys are responsible for filtering blood.
  • Which organ cleans waste from the blood?
    The kidneys clean waste from the blood.
  • Which kidney structure empties into the ureter?
    The renal pelvis empties into the ureter.
  • What is another term used for renal calculi?
    Another term for renal calculi is kidney stones.
  • What is a renal papilla?
    A renal papilla is the tip of a renal pyramid where urine is excreted into a minor calyx.
  • What organ filters blood?
    The kidneys filter blood.
  • What organ is responsible for filtering blood?
    The kidneys are responsible for filtering blood.
  • What structure empties into the renal pelvis?
    Major calyces empty into the renal pelvis.
  • What is the function of the renal pelvis?
    The function of the renal pelvis is to collect urine from the major calyces and funnel it into the ureter.
  • Is the medulla deep to the cortex of the kidney?
    Yes, the renal medulla is deep to the renal cortex in the kidney.
  • Where does the ureter penetrate the kidney?
    The ureter penetrates the kidney at the renal hilum.
  • What is the renal cortex?
    The renal cortex is the outermost region of the kidney, light in color and granular in appearance, where urine formation begins.
  • What is the renal medulla?
    The renal medulla is the middle region of the kidney, containing renal pyramids and columns, and is involved in urine formation.