Page 1 of 59
BIO 117 – Lecture 3 Exam Guide (2025/2026) – Real
Questions & Correct Answers – Graded A+
Name the major excretory organs of the urinary system
.......ANSWER......-Kidneys: filter blood & produce urine
-Ureters: transport urine to bladder through peristalsis (smooth
muscle contraction)
-Urinary Bladder: temporary storage of urine
-Urethra: "throw" or "thrust" urine out of body
Describe the functions of the urinary system. .......ANSWER......1.
Adjusts blood volume and pressure
2. Regulates blood pasma concentrations of sodium, potassium,
chloride, and other ions
3. Stabilizes blood pH
,Page 2 of 59
4. Conserves valuable nutrients by preventing their loss in urine
(ex: glucose, amino acids)
5. Removes drugs and toxins from the bloodstream
What structures enter and exit the kidney at the hilum?
.......ANSWER......Enter: renal artery and nerves
Exit: renal vein and ureter
What color and size are the kidneys? .......ANSWER......reddish
brown and about size of fist
Which kidney is lower and why? .......ANSWER......Right kidney
slightly lower to accommodate the liver
What is the location of the kidneys?
.......ANSWER......Retroperitoneal: behind the peritoneum and not
completely covered
,Page 3 of 59
Describe the concentric layers of connective tissue that protect
and anchor the kidney. .......ANSWER......-Fibrous Capsule: outer
surface, made up of collage fibers
-Perinephric fat: cushioning thick layer of adipose tissue,
surrounds fibrous capsule
-Renal Fascia: dense, fibrous outer layer of collagan fibers;
anchors the kidney to surround structures
What would happen to a kidney's position if the perinephric fat
layer were depleted and the collagen fibers of the fibrous
capsule were to become detached? .......ANSWER......The kidneys
could drop. May cause or distortion of other structures
Which structure is a conical mass within the renal medulla that
ends at the papilla? .......ANSWER......Renal pyramid
, Page 4 of 59
What does a kidney consist of? .......ANSWER......-Renal cortex:
outer region
-Renal medulla: inner region of pyramid (made up of pyramids
& columns)
-Renal pyramids: conical structure extending from cortex to renal
papilla (where urine leaves kidney)
-Renal columns: in between renal pyramids
-Kidney lobe: where urine is produced; consists of renal lobe and
adjacent tissue of renal columns
Compare the minor and major calyces. .......ANSWER......The
minor calyx collects urine that is produced by a kidney lobe. A
major calyx forms from the fusion of 4-5 minor calyces.
BIO 117 – Lecture 3 Exam Guide (2025/2026) – Real
Questions & Correct Answers – Graded A+
Name the major excretory organs of the urinary system
.......ANSWER......-Kidneys: filter blood & produce urine
-Ureters: transport urine to bladder through peristalsis (smooth
muscle contraction)
-Urinary Bladder: temporary storage of urine
-Urethra: "throw" or "thrust" urine out of body
Describe the functions of the urinary system. .......ANSWER......1.
Adjusts blood volume and pressure
2. Regulates blood pasma concentrations of sodium, potassium,
chloride, and other ions
3. Stabilizes blood pH
,Page 2 of 59
4. Conserves valuable nutrients by preventing their loss in urine
(ex: glucose, amino acids)
5. Removes drugs and toxins from the bloodstream
What structures enter and exit the kidney at the hilum?
.......ANSWER......Enter: renal artery and nerves
Exit: renal vein and ureter
What color and size are the kidneys? .......ANSWER......reddish
brown and about size of fist
Which kidney is lower and why? .......ANSWER......Right kidney
slightly lower to accommodate the liver
What is the location of the kidneys?
.......ANSWER......Retroperitoneal: behind the peritoneum and not
completely covered
,Page 3 of 59
Describe the concentric layers of connective tissue that protect
and anchor the kidney. .......ANSWER......-Fibrous Capsule: outer
surface, made up of collage fibers
-Perinephric fat: cushioning thick layer of adipose tissue,
surrounds fibrous capsule
-Renal Fascia: dense, fibrous outer layer of collagan fibers;
anchors the kidney to surround structures
What would happen to a kidney's position if the perinephric fat
layer were depleted and the collagen fibers of the fibrous
capsule were to become detached? .......ANSWER......The kidneys
could drop. May cause or distortion of other structures
Which structure is a conical mass within the renal medulla that
ends at the papilla? .......ANSWER......Renal pyramid
, Page 4 of 59
What does a kidney consist of? .......ANSWER......-Renal cortex:
outer region
-Renal medulla: inner region of pyramid (made up of pyramids
& columns)
-Renal pyramids: conical structure extending from cortex to renal
papilla (where urine leaves kidney)
-Renal columns: in between renal pyramids
-Kidney lobe: where urine is produced; consists of renal lobe and
adjacent tissue of renal columns
Compare the minor and major calyces. .......ANSWER......The
minor calyx collects urine that is produced by a kidney lobe. A
major calyx forms from the fusion of 4-5 minor calyces.
