Urinary+system+questions+DB

1. The kidneys produce urine in the urinary system. They also keep water and salt balanced in the blood and level out other ions. The ureters move urine from the kidneys to the bladder. The bladder stores the urine until it is moved out of the body by way of the uretha. The uretha is the external opening of the body where urine is emptied. 2. The kidneys keep the amount of uric acid balanced in the blood as well as the amount of salt and water. They maintain the correct amount of ions in the body such as potassium ions, bicarbonate ions and calcium ions. The kidneys also regulate hormones that control red blood cell production. 3. The three major areas of the kidney are the renal cortex, the renal medulla, and the renal pelvis. 4. The nephrons, sometimes referred to as the kidney tubules, are the microscopic structures of the kidney that produce urine. They also direct urine into a collecting duct. 5. The glomerular capsule of the nephron is a cuplike structure composed of squamous epithelial cells. Its inner layer has podocytes with long cytoplasmic extensions. The proximal convoluted tube on the other hand is made up of cubiodal epithelial cells. It has numerous microvilli with increase surface area through brush border. Unlike the proximal convoluted tube, the distal convoluted tube has no microvilli. Finally, the loop of the nephron, due to its U shape is distinct, and it lets water exit while leaving out salt.