Urinary And Reproductive Systems Dissection

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Urinary and Reproductive Systems Dissection Urinary System Kidney The kidneys are paired organs with several functions. They are an essential part of the urinary system and serve homeostatic functions such as the regulation of electrolytes, maintenance of acid-base balance, and regulation of blood pressure. They serve the body as a natural filter of the blood, and remove wastes, which are diverted to the urinary bladder. In producing urine, the kidneys excrete wastes such as urea and ammonium; the kidneys also are responsible for the reabsorption of water, glucose, and amino acids. The kidneys also produce hormones including calcitriol, renin, and erythropoietin. Renal cortex The renal cortex is the outer portion of the kidney between the renal capsule and the renal medulla. It contains the renal corpuscles and the renal tubules except for parts of the loop of Henle, which descend into the renal medulla. It also contains blood vessels and cortical collecting ducts. Renal medulla The renal medulla is the innermost part of the kidney. The renal medulla is split up into a number of sections, known as the renal pyramids. Blood enters into the kidney via the renal artery, which then splits up to form the arcuate arterioles. The arcuate arterioles each in turn branch into interlobular arterioles, which finally reach the glomeruli. At the glomerulus, the blood reaches a highly disfavourable pressure gradient and a large exchange surface area, which forces the serum portion of the blood out of the vessel into the renal tubules. Flow continues through the renal tubules, including the proximal tubule, the Loop of Henle, and finally leaves the kidney by means of the collecting duct, leading to the renal ureter. Renal pelvis The renal pelvis is the funnel-like dilated proximal part of the ureter in the kidney. Each renal papilla is surrounded by a branch of the

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