Physiology II w/Lab Q&A | Portage Learning
1. The functional unit of the kidney is the:
A) Nephron
B) Renal pyramid
C) Glomerulus
D) Collecting duct
Correct Answer: A) Nephron
Rationale: Each kidney contains about one million nephrons, each consisting of
a renal corpuscle and a tubule. The nephron filters blood, reabsorbs needed
substances, and secretes wastes to form urine. The other structures are
components of the kidney but not the complete functional unit.
2. The dense connective tissue layer that anchors the kidney to surrounding
structures is the:
A) Renal capsule
B) Renal fascia
C) Adipose capsule
D) Peritoneum
Correct Answer: B) Renal fascia
,Rationale: The renal fascia is the outermost layer, composed of dense fibrous
connective tissue that attaches the kidney to the posterior abdominal wall and
surrounding structures, providing stabilization. The adipose capsule cushions,
and the renal capsule directly covers the kidney surface.
3. The outer region of the kidney that contains renal corpuscles is the:
A) Medulla
B) Pelvis
C) Cortex
D) Pyramid
Correct Answer: C) Cortex
Rationale: The renal cortex is the superficial layer, rich in glomeruli and
convoluted tubules. The medulla is deep to the cortex and contains renal
pyramids and loops of Henle. The pelvis collects urine; pyramids are medullary
structures.
4. The funnel‑shaped structure that drains urine into the ureter is the:
A) Major calyx
B) Minor calyx
C) Renal pyramid
D) Renal pelvis
Correct Answer: D) Renal pelvis
, Rationale: The renal pelvis is a dilated, funnel‑shaped upper end of the ureter
that receives urine from the major calyces and channels it into the ureter. Major
and minor calyces collect urine from papillae; the pyramids are tissue masses.
5. The capillary network where filtration occurs is the:
A) Glomerulus
B) Peritubular capillaries
C) Vasa recta
D) Afferent arteriole
Correct Answer: A) Glomerulus
Rationale: The glomerulus is a tuft of capillaries enclosed by Bowman’s capsule.
Blood pressure forces water and solutes across its walls into the capsular space,
producing filtrate. Peritubular capillaries and vasa recta are involved in
reabsorption; the afferent arteriole brings blood to the glomerulus.
6. The double‑walled cup that surrounds the glomerulus is:
A) Distal tubule
B) Proximal tubule
C) Bowman’s capsule
D) Loop of Henle
Correct Answer: C) Bowman’s capsule