Kidneys Brief Summary

Summary Sheet
Functions of the Kidneys
 Osmoregulatory Function
 Regulates water content of the blood
 Maintains blood pressure
 Excretory Function
 Excretes toxic waste products of metabolism (e.g. urea)
 Excretes substances in excess of requirements (e.g. salts)



Structure of the Kidney
 Outer Layer
 Fibrous capsule
 Main Areas
 Cortex (contains glomerulus, Bowman’s capsule, proximal convoluted tubule, and distal
convoluted tubule of the nephrons)
 Medulla (contains loop of Henle and collecting duct of the nephrons)
 Renal pelvis (where the ureter joins the kidney)



Blood Supply to the Kidney
Renal Artery: Carries oxygenated blood carrying salts and urea to the kidney

Renal Vein: Carries deoxygenated blood that has had urea and excess salts removed away from the
kidneys



Urinary System
Ureter: Carries urine from the kidneys to the bladder

Bladder: Stores urine temporarily

Urethra: Expels urine from the body



Nephrons
 Functional Unit of the Kidney
 Responsible for the formation of urine

Structure of Nephrons
 Each kidney contains thousands of nephrons