System Function: Urinary - Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination Mblex

1. Which kidney region contains most renal corpuscles: cortex or medulla?

   Renal cortex. The outer cortex contains glomeruli and proximal/distal tubules where initial filtration and most reabsorption occur.

2. What is the renal corpuscle composed of?

   Glomerulus and Bowman capsule. The renal corpuscle initiates urine formation by filtering blood plasma in the glomerulus enclosed by Bowman's capsule.

3. Which division of the autonomic nervous system promotes urine retention and bladder filling?

   Sympathetic nervous system. Sympathetic activity relaxes the detrusor and contracts the internal sphincter to inhibit urination during stress or filling.

4. What process forces water and small solutes from blood into Bowman capsule?

   Glomerular filtration. Blood pressure drives plasma filtration through glomerular capillaries into Bowman's capsule, excluding large molecules like proteins.

5. What structure carries urine from each kidney to the urinary bladder?

   Ureter. Ureters use peristaltic contractions to propel urine from the renal pelvis to the bladder, preventing backflow.

6. What term describes movement of useful solutes from renal tubules back into blood?

   Tubular reabsorption. Essential substances like glucose, ions, and water are reclaimed from the filtrate in the renal tubules to peritubular capillaries.

7. What hormone increases sodium reabsorption and potassium secretion in the distal nephron?

   Aldosterone. Aldosterone stimulates sodium channels and pumps in distal tubules, promoting Na+ retention which indirectly affects water balance.

8. Identify the term for increased frequency of urination, especially at night.

   Nocturia. Nocturia disrupts sleep due to frequent nighttime urination, commonly linked to conditions like diabetes or prostate issues.

9. What is the functional unit of the kidney responsible for urine formation?

   Nephron. Each kidney contains over a million nephrons that filter blood and form urine through processes like filtration, reabsorption, and secretion.

10. What is the name of the reflex that triggers urination when the bladder is stretched?

    Micturition reflex. Bladder distension activates sensory nerves, triggering parasympathetic signals for detrusor contraction and sphincter relaxation.

11. What are the main organs of the urinary system, listed in the order urine flows?

    Kidneys → ureters → urinary bladder → urethra. Urine is produced in the kidneys, transported via ureters to the bladder for storage, and expelled through the urethra.

12. Which term means an abnormally low urine output, often less than $400$ mL per day?

    Oliguria. Oliguria indicates reduced kidney function, such as in dehydration or renal failure, risking toxin accumulation.

13. Which sphincter is under voluntary control: internal urethral sphincter or external urethral sphincter?

    External urethral sphincter. The external sphincter, composed of skeletal muscle, allows conscious control over urination timing.

14. Which division of the autonomic nervous system promotes bladder emptying?

    Parasympathetic nervous system. Parasympathetic stimulation causes detrusor muscle contraction and internal sphincter relaxation to facilitate urine voiding.

15. What is the primary function of the urinary system in maintaining internal balance?

    Regulate fluid, electrolytes, and waste removal to maintain homeostasis. The urinary system filters blood to remove metabolic wastes and adjust fluid and electrolyte levels, ensuring stable internal conditions.

16. What is the function of the urinary bladder?

    Temporary storage of urine prior to urination. The bladder's muscular walls expand to hold urine until voluntary release, maintaining continence.

17. What hormone increases water reabsorption in the collecting ducts of the kidneys?

    Antidiuretic hormone (ADH, vasopressin). ADH promotes aquaporin insertion in collecting ducts, enhancing water permeability to concentrate urine and conserve body water.

18. Identify the condition marked by painful or difficult urination.

    Dysuria. Dysuria often results from urinary tract infections or inflammation causing burning sensations during voiding.

19. What kidney-produced hormone stimulates red blood cell production in bone marrow?

    Erythropoietin (EPO). Kidneys release EPO in response to hypoxia, signaling bone marrow to increase erythrocyte production for oxygen transport.

20. Which kidney region contains the renal pyramids and collecting ducts: cortex or medulla?

    Renal medulla. The medulla's pyramids house loops of Henle and collecting ducts that concentrate urine and direct it to the renal pelvis.

21. What is the approximate normal pH range of urine?

    Approximately $4.5$ to $8.0$. Urine pH varies with diet, health, and acid-base balance, typically maintained within this range by renal regulation.

22. What is the primary nitrogenous waste product excreted in human urine?

    Urea. Urea results from protein metabolism in the liver and is filtered by kidneys for excretion to prevent toxic buildup.

23. What is the primary acid-base role of the kidneys in blood pH regulation?

    Excrete $H^+$ and conserve/regenerate $HCO_3^-$. Kidneys buffer blood pH by secreting hydrogen ions and reabsorbing bicarbonate to counteract acidosis.

24. What term describes movement of substances from blood into the renal tubule for excretion?

    Tubular secretion. Additional wastes, ions, and drugs are actively transported from peritubular capillaries into the tubular fluid for elimination.

25. What is the function of the urethra in the urinary system?

    Conduct urine from the bladder to the exterior. The urethra serves as the final conduit for urine expulsion, with length differences between sexes affecting infection risk.

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