1. Identify the locations and functional relationships of the following urinary system organs:
urinary bladder, urethra, ureters, kidneys.
2. Describe the functional anatomy of the following kidney structures: renal capsule, renal fascia, cortex, medulla, pyramids, renal columns, renal pelvis, calyces,
renal arteries and vein, lobar and interlobar arteries and veins arcuate arteries and veins,
interlobular arteries and veins.
3. Describe what constitutes a nephron and identify the relationships of the following
components of nephrons and their location within the kidney: afferent and efferent arterioles,
glomerulus, Bowman's (glomerular) capsule, proximal convoluted tubule (PCT), loop of
Henle (ascending and descending limb), distal convoluted tubule, collecting tubule (DCT),
renal papillae, peritubular capillaries, vasa recta.
4. Compare cortical nephrons with juxta-medullary nephrons with regard to the above
structures and their locations.
5. Describe the structures and functions of the components of the renal corpuscle: parietal and
visceral layers of Bowman's capsule, fenestrations, podocytes, pedicels, filtration slits.
6. Describe the process of filtration, including location, causation, relationship to anatomical
structures, what and how much is filtered. Terms: net filtration pressure (NFP), glomerular
filtration rate (GFR), filtration membrane.
7. Describe the process of reabsorption including locations, causation, relationship to anatomical
structure, what and how much is reabsorbed, and where. Terms: obligatory reabsorption,
facultative reabsorption, transport maximum (TM).
8. Describe the process of secretion, including locations, relationship to anatomical structures,
what is secreted, and by what mechanism.
9. Identify and describe the countercurrent mechanisms to concentrate the urine.
Terms: countercurrent multiplier, countercurrent exchange.
10. Identify and distinguish the histological differences between the cells of Bowman's capsule,
the proximal convoluted tubule, the thin and thick segments of the loop of Henle, the distal
convoluted tubule, and the collecting tube. Relate these differences to the function of each
structure.
11. Describe how autoregulation in the kidney responds to changes in blood pressure to maintain
relatively constant GFR. Terms: myogenic mechanism, tubuloglomerular feedback
mechanism, macula densa, juxtaglomerular cells.
12. Describe the ADH (anti-diuretic hormone) mechanism for regulating the body's fluid
balance, including components (organs), stimuli, and physiological effects. Include: role of hypothalamus, posterior pituitary, and collecting tubule.
Terms: osmolarity, diabetes insipidus.
13. Describe the mechanisms for control of blood pressure and electrolyte balance involving the
juxta-glomerular apparatus and adrenal cortex. Include: role of macula densa, aldosterone,
renin, angiotensin II. Terms: juxtaglomerular (JG) cells, macula
densa, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE).
14. Identify the normal constituents of urine as well as the possible disorders indicated by the
following: glucose, albumin, bacteria, leucocytes, erythrocytes, bilirubin, ketone bodies,
crystals, casts. Terms: diabetes mellitus, urinary tract infection (UTI), cystitis,
pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis.
15. Describe the functional anatomy of the ureters, bladder, and urethra: Include: transitional
epithelium , smooth muscle layers, detrusor muscle, adventitia, rugae, trigone, internaland
external urethral sphincters, urogenital diaphragm, prostatic urethra, membranous
urethra, spongy urethra.
Additional Terms:
hemodialysis
hematuria
renal failure
urobilinogen
creatinine
glucosuria