Anatomy and Physiology 242 Urinary System, Water & Electrolyte Balance Objectives
1. Describe the functions of the urinary system. Know specifically what each part of the system
is responsible for doing.
2. What are the major parts of the nephron? What is the function of each part. Why is the
nephron the major functional & structural unit of the kidney? Know the two types of nephrons
and where they are located.
3. Define parts of the renal corpuscle. Identify components of the filtration membrane-podocytes,
filtration slits, etc. What type of endothelium is in the glomerulus?
4. Name the 3 principle processes involved in urine formation. Where does each occur? How
does each occur?
5. What is the significance of the change in morphology and permeability in the cells in the
nephron loop? How does the nephron loop help regulate water conservation by the kidney. What
is meant by counter-current multiplication. Be sure to give all the steps and how they function.
6. What is the macula densa and what is its function?
7. Describe the function of the juxtaglomerular apparatus in relation to renal blood flow. Be able
to explain how the JGA regulates blood pressure by releasing rennin. What is the signal for renin
release?
8. Name the sites in the kidney primarily responsible = for the following functions: a) absorption
of proteins, sugars, amino acids, b) water and sodium conservation, c) target cells for antidiuretic
hormone (vasopressin), d) target cells for aldosterone, e) target cells for atrial natriuretic peptide,
f) production of renin, g) countercurrent exchanger.
9. Describe the process of glomerular filtration including the processes that affect filtration. Be
sure to include the pressures involved. Differentiate between reabsorption, filtration and
secretion.
10. Know how different hormones act on the kidney to help regulate water conservationaldosterone, ADH, ANP.
11. Define GFR, know the factors that influence it and in which direction. Be able to define and
explain all mechanisms of GFR control.
12. Define renal clearance. What does it tell? Know how inulin functions in renal clearance.
What substance is used clinically to determine renal clearance? How is renal clearance related to
GFR?
13. Explain why water balance and ion balance is so important. Be sure to describe the effects of
osmolarity. In what compartments are water stored? How much is in each. Give all ways water is
obtained and lost by the body.
14. Why is acid/base balance so important? Be able to explain how this is accomplished-both
renal and respiratory compensation mechanisms.
15. Explain the renin-angiotensin system and how it regulates water and sodium balance and
where.
16. Define acidosis and alkalosis-metabolic and respiratory. Know how the body compensates
for both.
17. Name and describe the important buffering systems in the body and how they work.