D313 Urinary System Key Terms with
Complete Solutions 2025
renal fat pad - ANSWER adipose tissue between the renal fascia and the renal capsule
that provides protective cushioning to the kidney
renal cortex - ANSWER outer part of kidney containing all of the nephrons; some
nephrons have loops of Henle extending into the medulla
renal medulla - ANSWER inner region of kidney containing the renal pyramids
renal columns - ANSWER extensions of the renal cortex into the renal medulla;
separates the renal pyramids; contains blood vessels and connective tissues
renal pyramids - ANSWER six to eight cone-shaped tissues in the medulla of the kidney
containing collecting ducts and the loops of Henle of juxtamedullary nephrons
calyces - ANSWER cup-like structures receiving urine from the collecting ducts where it
passes on to the renal pelvis and ureter
proximal convoluted tubules (PCTs) - ANSWER tortuous tubules receiving filtrate from
Bowman's capsule; most active part of the nephron in reabsorption and secretion
distal convoluted tubules - ANSWER portions of the nephron distal to the loop of Henle
that receive hyposmotic filtrate from the loop of Henle and empty into collecting ducts
loop of Henle - ANSWER descending and ascending portions between the proximal and
distal convoluted tubules; those of cortical nephrons do not extend into the medulla,
whereas those of juxtamedullary nephrons do extend into the medulla
, cortical nephrons - ANSWER nephrons with loops of Henle that do not extend into the
renal medulla
juxtamedullary nephrons - ANSWER nephrons adjacent to the border of the cortex and
medulla with loops of Henle that extend into the renal medulla
renal hilum - ANSWER recessed medial area of the kidney through which the renal
artery, renal vein, ureters, lymphatics, and nerves pass
nephrons - ANSWER functional units of the kidney that carry out all filtration and
modification to produce urine; consist of renal corpuscles, proximal and distal
convoluted tubules, and descending and ascending loops of Henle; drain into collecting
ducts
glomerulus - ANSWER tuft of capillaries surrounded by Bowman's capsule; filters the
blood based on size of the solutes
Bowman's capsule - ANSWER cup-shaped sack lined by a simple squamous epithelium
(parietal surface) and specialized cells called podocytes (visceral surface) that participate
in the filtration process; receives the filtrate, which then passes on to the PCTs
renal corpuscle - ANSWER part of the nephron that consists of the glomerulus and
Bowman's capsule
efferent arteriole - ANSWER arteriole carrying blood from the glomerulus to the
capillary beds around the convoluted tubules and loop of Henle; portion of the portal
system
Complete Solutions 2025
renal fat pad - ANSWER adipose tissue between the renal fascia and the renal capsule
that provides protective cushioning to the kidney
renal cortex - ANSWER outer part of kidney containing all of the nephrons; some
nephrons have loops of Henle extending into the medulla
renal medulla - ANSWER inner region of kidney containing the renal pyramids
renal columns - ANSWER extensions of the renal cortex into the renal medulla;
separates the renal pyramids; contains blood vessels and connective tissues
renal pyramids - ANSWER six to eight cone-shaped tissues in the medulla of the kidney
containing collecting ducts and the loops of Henle of juxtamedullary nephrons
calyces - ANSWER cup-like structures receiving urine from the collecting ducts where it
passes on to the renal pelvis and ureter
proximal convoluted tubules (PCTs) - ANSWER tortuous tubules receiving filtrate from
Bowman's capsule; most active part of the nephron in reabsorption and secretion
distal convoluted tubules - ANSWER portions of the nephron distal to the loop of Henle
that receive hyposmotic filtrate from the loop of Henle and empty into collecting ducts
loop of Henle - ANSWER descending and ascending portions between the proximal and
distal convoluted tubules; those of cortical nephrons do not extend into the medulla,
whereas those of juxtamedullary nephrons do extend into the medulla
, cortical nephrons - ANSWER nephrons with loops of Henle that do not extend into the
renal medulla
juxtamedullary nephrons - ANSWER nephrons adjacent to the border of the cortex and
medulla with loops of Henle that extend into the renal medulla
renal hilum - ANSWER recessed medial area of the kidney through which the renal
artery, renal vein, ureters, lymphatics, and nerves pass
nephrons - ANSWER functional units of the kidney that carry out all filtration and
modification to produce urine; consist of renal corpuscles, proximal and distal
convoluted tubules, and descending and ascending loops of Henle; drain into collecting
ducts
glomerulus - ANSWER tuft of capillaries surrounded by Bowman's capsule; filters the
blood based on size of the solutes
Bowman's capsule - ANSWER cup-shaped sack lined by a simple squamous epithelium
(parietal surface) and specialized cells called podocytes (visceral surface) that participate
in the filtration process; receives the filtrate, which then passes on to the PCTs
renal corpuscle - ANSWER part of the nephron that consists of the glomerulus and
Bowman's capsule
efferent arteriole - ANSWER arteriole carrying blood from the glomerulus to the
capillary beds around the convoluted tubules and loop of Henle; portion of the portal
system
