Portage Pathophysiology Module 8 Study guide
Describe the location of the hilus and its significance.
The hilus is a concave cleft, and it is at this point where the ureters, blood vessels, and nerves
enter the kidney.
Describe the functions of the nephron.
The function of the nephron is to:
control the concentration of water and soluble materials by filtering the blood
reabsorbing needed materials and excreting waste products as urine
eliminates wastes from the body
regulates blood volume
pH and pressure
controls the levels of electrolytes
Name the structures of the nephron and describe their individual functions.
glomerular capsule- filters the blood
renal tubule- reabsorbs needed materials
collecting ducts- glomerular capsule and renal tubule are connected to collecting ducts and
carry the remaining materials away as urine to be excreted
,Compare and contrast the renal cortex and renal medulla. Discuss the structures found in
each.
The outer cortex houses the glomeruli and convoluted tubules (proximal and distal) of the
nephron as well as blood vessels.
The inner medulla is comprised of the Loop of Henle of the nephron and cone-shaped masses
also known as the renal pyramids.
Explain the difference between cortical nephrons and juxtamedullary nephrons.
, Cortical nephrons make up 85% of all nephrons and originate superficially in the cortex and
have shorter loops of Henle that only extend a short distance into the medulla.
Juxtamedullary nephrons make up 15% of nephrons and originate deeper in the cortex. Their
loops of Henle are thinner and extend into the medulla entirely.
Explain the differences in the two systems providing the blood supply to the nephron. How
does their structure determine their role?
Describe the location of the hilus and its significance.
The hilus is a concave cleft, and it is at this point where the ureters, blood vessels, and nerves
enter the kidney.
Describe the functions of the nephron.
The function of the nephron is to:
control the concentration of water and soluble materials by filtering the blood
reabsorbing needed materials and excreting waste products as urine
eliminates wastes from the body
regulates blood volume
pH and pressure
controls the levels of electrolytes
Name the structures of the nephron and describe their individual functions.
glomerular capsule- filters the blood
renal tubule- reabsorbs needed materials
collecting ducts- glomerular capsule and renal tubule are connected to collecting ducts and
carry the remaining materials away as urine to be excreted
,Compare and contrast the renal cortex and renal medulla. Discuss the structures found in
each.
The outer cortex houses the glomeruli and convoluted tubules (proximal and distal) of the
nephron as well as blood vessels.
The inner medulla is comprised of the Loop of Henle of the nephron and cone-shaped masses
also known as the renal pyramids.
Explain the difference between cortical nephrons and juxtamedullary nephrons.
, Cortical nephrons make up 85% of all nephrons and originate superficially in the cortex and
have shorter loops of Henle that only extend a short distance into the medulla.
Juxtamedullary nephrons make up 15% of nephrons and originate deeper in the cortex. Their
loops of Henle are thinner and extend into the medulla entirely.
Explain the differences in the two systems providing the blood supply to the nephron. How
does their structure determine their role?
