BIO 151 Exam 3 Study Guide
BIO 151 EXAM 3 STUDY GUIDE | URINARY SYSTEM
CHAPTER – 23 | COMPREHENSIVE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
| GRADE A | 100% CORRECT -THE ULTIMATE GUIDE FOR
YR. (2026/2027)
1. Identify the organs that comprise the urinary system and label them on a diagram.
The urinary system includes the kidneys, urinary bladder, ureters, and urethra. These organs
work together to filter blood, remove waste, and produce urine.
2. Describe the major functions performed by the kidneys.
The kidneys remove waste and extra fluid from the blood, maintain a healthy balance of
water, salts, and minerals such as sodium, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium, and remove
acid produced by cells to maintain a stable internal environment.
3. Explain why the location of the kidneys and ureters is described as retroperitoneal.
The kidneys and ureters are located behind the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal
cavity. This position is termed retroperitoneal.
4. Describe the external anatomy of the kidneys and explain the importance of the following
structures: renal hilum, renal capsule, adipose capsule, renal fascia.
Renal Hilum: The entry and exit point for the renal artery, renal vein, and ureter.
Renal Capsule: A tough fibrous layer surrounding the kidney and providing protection.
Adipose Capsule: A fatty layer that cushions the kidney.
1
,BIO 151 Exam 3 Study Guide
Renal Fascia: A dense connective tissue that anchors the kidneys to surrounding structures.
5. Describe the internal anatomy of the kidneys and label the following on a diagram
illustrating the internal anatomy of the kidney: renal cortex, major calyx, collecting duct,
renal medulla, minor calyx, papillary duct, renal columns, nephron, renal pelvis, renal
pyramids.
Renal Cortex: The outer layer where filtration occurs.
Renal Medulla: The inner region containing the renal pyramids.
Renal Pyramids: Coneshaped tissues that transport urine from the cortical areas to the
calyces.
Renal Columns: Extensions of cortical tissue between the renal pyramids.
Nephron: The functional unit of the kidney responsible for filtering blood and forming urine.
Major and Minor Calyx: Chambers that collect urine from the papillary ducts and funnel it to
the renal pelvis.
Collecting Duct: Transports urine from nephrons to the renal pelvis.
Papillary Duct: Receives urine from collecting ducts.
Renal Pelvis: Central space that collects urine before it moves to the ureter.
6. Explain the significance of the abundant blood supply to the kidneys.
The kidneys receive a significant blood supply to efficiently filter waste and maintain fluid and
electrolyte balance. The renal arteries branch from the aorta, ensuring a highpressure system
necessary for filtration.
7. Describe the structure of a nephron (distinguishing between cortical nephrons and
juxtamedullary nephrons) and label the following on a diagram of the nephron: Nephron
2
, BIO 151 Exam 3 Study Guide
Associated Blood Vessels, Filtration unit: glomerulus and glomerular (Bowman’s) capsule,
afferent arteriole, renal tubule, efferent arteriole, proximal convoluted tubule, peritubular
capillaries, loop of Henle, vasa recta, descending limb, ascending limb, distal convoluted
tubule, collecting duct.
Cortical Nephrons: Have short loops of Henle and are located mostly in the renal cortex.
Juxtamedullary Nephrons: Have long loops of Henle that extend deep into the renal medulla.
Nephron Structure:
Glomerulus and Bowman’s Capsule: The site of filtration.
Afferent Arteriole: Brings blood to the glomerulus.
Efferent Arteriole: Carries filtered blood away from the glomerulus.
Proximal Convoluted Tubule: Site of most reabsorption.
Loop of Henle: Consists of descending and ascending limbs, crucial for concentrating urine.
Distal Convoluted Tubule: Further adjusts the composition of the filtrate.
Collecting Duct: Final adjustment of urine before it moves to the renal pelvis.
Peritubular Capillaries: Surround the renal tubules for reabsorption and secretion.
Vasa Recta: Capillaries associated with the loop of Henle, important for concentrating urine.
8. List the three major stages involved in urine formation: glomerular filtration, tubular
reabsorption, tubular secretion.
Glomerular Filtration: The process by which blood plasma is filtered through the glomerulus
into the Bowman’s capsule.
Tubular Reabsorption: The movement of substances from the tubular fluid back into the
blood.
3
BIO 151 EXAM 3 STUDY GUIDE | URINARY SYSTEM
CHAPTER – 23 | COMPREHENSIVE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
| GRADE A | 100% CORRECT -THE ULTIMATE GUIDE FOR
YR. (2026/2027)
1. Identify the organs that comprise the urinary system and label them on a diagram.
The urinary system includes the kidneys, urinary bladder, ureters, and urethra. These organs
work together to filter blood, remove waste, and produce urine.
2. Describe the major functions performed by the kidneys.
The kidneys remove waste and extra fluid from the blood, maintain a healthy balance of
water, salts, and minerals such as sodium, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium, and remove
acid produced by cells to maintain a stable internal environment.
3. Explain why the location of the kidneys and ureters is described as retroperitoneal.
The kidneys and ureters are located behind the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal
cavity. This position is termed retroperitoneal.
4. Describe the external anatomy of the kidneys and explain the importance of the following
structures: renal hilum, renal capsule, adipose capsule, renal fascia.
Renal Hilum: The entry and exit point for the renal artery, renal vein, and ureter.
Renal Capsule: A tough fibrous layer surrounding the kidney and providing protection.
Adipose Capsule: A fatty layer that cushions the kidney.
1
,BIO 151 Exam 3 Study Guide
Renal Fascia: A dense connective tissue that anchors the kidneys to surrounding structures.
5. Describe the internal anatomy of the kidneys and label the following on a diagram
illustrating the internal anatomy of the kidney: renal cortex, major calyx, collecting duct,
renal medulla, minor calyx, papillary duct, renal columns, nephron, renal pelvis, renal
pyramids.
Renal Cortex: The outer layer where filtration occurs.
Renal Medulla: The inner region containing the renal pyramids.
Renal Pyramids: Coneshaped tissues that transport urine from the cortical areas to the
calyces.
Renal Columns: Extensions of cortical tissue between the renal pyramids.
Nephron: The functional unit of the kidney responsible for filtering blood and forming urine.
Major and Minor Calyx: Chambers that collect urine from the papillary ducts and funnel it to
the renal pelvis.
Collecting Duct: Transports urine from nephrons to the renal pelvis.
Papillary Duct: Receives urine from collecting ducts.
Renal Pelvis: Central space that collects urine before it moves to the ureter.
6. Explain the significance of the abundant blood supply to the kidneys.
The kidneys receive a significant blood supply to efficiently filter waste and maintain fluid and
electrolyte balance. The renal arteries branch from the aorta, ensuring a highpressure system
necessary for filtration.
7. Describe the structure of a nephron (distinguishing between cortical nephrons and
juxtamedullary nephrons) and label the following on a diagram of the nephron: Nephron
2
, BIO 151 Exam 3 Study Guide
Associated Blood Vessels, Filtration unit: glomerulus and glomerular (Bowman’s) capsule,
afferent arteriole, renal tubule, efferent arteriole, proximal convoluted tubule, peritubular
capillaries, loop of Henle, vasa recta, descending limb, ascending limb, distal convoluted
tubule, collecting duct.
Cortical Nephrons: Have short loops of Henle and are located mostly in the renal cortex.
Juxtamedullary Nephrons: Have long loops of Henle that extend deep into the renal medulla.
Nephron Structure:
Glomerulus and Bowman’s Capsule: The site of filtration.
Afferent Arteriole: Brings blood to the glomerulus.
Efferent Arteriole: Carries filtered blood away from the glomerulus.
Proximal Convoluted Tubule: Site of most reabsorption.
Loop of Henle: Consists of descending and ascending limbs, crucial for concentrating urine.
Distal Convoluted Tubule: Further adjusts the composition of the filtrate.
Collecting Duct: Final adjustment of urine before it moves to the renal pelvis.
Peritubular Capillaries: Surround the renal tubules for reabsorption and secretion.
Vasa Recta: Capillaries associated with the loop of Henle, important for concentrating urine.
8. List the three major stages involved in urine formation: glomerular filtration, tubular
reabsorption, tubular secretion.
Glomerular Filtration: The process by which blood plasma is filtered through the glomerulus
into the Bowman’s capsule.
Tubular Reabsorption: The movement of substances from the tubular fluid back into the
blood.
3
