Advanced Biomimetics: Understanding Renal Functions and Blood Dynamics

1. What is erythropoiesis?

The production of red blood cells (erythrocytes)

The generation of platelets.

The breakdown of red blood cells.

The movement of white blood cells.

Erythropoiesis specifically refers to the process of producing red blood cells, not the breakdown of red blood cells, movement of white blood cells, or generation of platelets.

Explanation

Erythropoiesis specifically refers to the process of producing red blood cells, not the breakdown of red blood cells, movement of white blood cells, or generation of platelets.

2. What is renal blood flow rate?

The number of nephrons present in each kidney.

The amount of glucose filtered by the kidneys per hour.

The rate at which blood flows through the kidneys (1 liter/min)

The volume of urine produced by the kidneys per day.

Renal blood flow rate refers to the rate at which blood flows through the kidneys, usually measured in liters per minute. It is an important parameter in understanding kidney function.

Explanation

Renal blood flow rate refers to the rate at which blood flows through the kidneys, usually measured in liters per minute. It is an important parameter in understanding kidney function.

3. What is filtrate?

A process of publishing content on social media platforms.

A type of air filter used in HVAC systems.

A type of coffee filter used in brewing techniques.

Blood plasma without proteins, found in the nephrons of the kidneys

Filtrate refers to blood plasma without proteins that is filtered out in the nephrons of the kidneys during the process of urine formation.

Explanation

Filtrate refers to blood plasma without proteins that is filtered out in the nephrons of the kidneys during the process of urine formation.

4. What is meant by the term 'Tubular maximum'?

The maximum rate of reabsorption by active transport

The maximum volume of urine that can be excreted by the kidneys in a given time period.

The capacity of a tube to hold a maximum amount of liquid.

The highest possible speed of flow for a liquid through a tubular structure.

Tubular maximum refers to the maximum rate of reabsorption by active transport through the nephron tubules, not the other options provided.

Explanation

Tubular maximum refers to the maximum rate of reabsorption by active transport through the nephron tubules, not the other options provided.

5. What is a buffer system?

A protective barrier used in construction to prevent erosion.

A system of organizing files and documents in a physical or digital format.

A mixture of an acid and a base which resists changes in pH

A type of computer software used for storing and managing data.

A buffer system is specifically related to chemistry and refers to a solution that can resist changes in pH by neutralizing small amounts of added acid or base.

Explanation

A buffer system is specifically related to chemistry and refers to a solution that can resist changes in pH by neutralizing small amounts of added acid or base.

6. What are the seven functions of the urinary system?

Regulation of body temperature

Digestion of food

Production of saliva

Maintaining proper pH levels

The urinary system is responsible for specific functions related to urine production, storage, and release, as well as maintaining proper pH levels, blood pressure, and other processes unrelated to digestion, body temperature, or saliva production.

Explanation

The urinary system is responsible for specific functions related to urine production, storage, and release, as well as maintaining proper pH levels, blood pressure, and other processes unrelated to digestion, body temperature, or saliva production.

7. What are the three steps of urine formation? Which step is often grouped together with reabsorption?

Filtration, reabsorption, and water reabsorption.

Water reabsorption

Filtration, secretion, and water reabsorption.

Filtration, reabsorption, and secretion.

8. What are the main substances that are passively reabsorbed in the kidney?

Water is the main substance which is passively reabsorbed.

Calcium and Phosphate

Glucose and Protein

Sodium and Potassium

Water is the main substance that is passively reabsorbed in the kidney to maintain proper fluid balance, while urea is another prime example that gets reabsorbed. Sodium and potassium are actively reabsorbed. Glucose and protein usually get filtered out and should not reabsorbed. Calcium and phosphate also undergo active reabsorption and regulation.

Explanation

Water is the main substance that is passively reabsorbed in the kidney to maintain proper fluid balance, while urea is another prime example that gets reabsorbed. Sodium and potassium are actively reabsorbed. Glucose and protein usually get filtered out and should not reabsorbed. Calcium and phosphate also undergo active reabsorption and regulation.

9. When a substance is secreted by the nephron, does its concentration in the blood increase or decrease?

When a substance is secreted by the nephron, its concentration in the blood remains the same.

Secretion by the nephron has no impact on the concentration of substances in the blood.

If a substance is secreted by the nephron, its concentration in the blood increases.

If a substance is secreted by the nephron, it is going back into the urine.

When a substance is secreted by the nephron, it means it is being actively removed from the blood and added to the urine, leading to a decrease in concentration in the blood.

Explanation

When a substance is secreted by the nephron, it means it is being actively removed from the blood and added to the urine, leading to a decrease in concentration in the blood.

10. What part of the urethra is controlled automatically by the parasympathetic division of the ANS for urination? What part of the bladder can be controlled consciously so that we can decide when to urinate?

The detrusor muscle is controlled consciously.

The internal urinary sphincter is controlled automatically.

The external urinary sphincter is controlled automatically.

The urethral meatus is controlled automatically.

The correct answer highlights the distinction between automatic and conscious control in the urinary system.

Explanation

The correct answer highlights the distinction between automatic and conscious control in the urinary system.

11. What hormone is stimulated by the secretions of the juxtaglomerular cells?

Angiotensin

Aldosterone

Angiotensinogen

Renin

The correct answer is aldosterone because it is the hormone affected by the juxtaglomerular cells. Renin, angiotensinogen, and angiotensin I are not hormones, although angiotensin II does stimulate the release of aldosterone.

Explanation

The correct answer is aldosterone because it is the hormone affected by the juxtaglomerular cells. Renin, angiotensinogen, and angiotensin I are not hormones, although angiotensin II does stimulate the release of aldosterone.

12. What is the glomerular filtration rate?

A measurement of blood flow through the kidneys.

The rate at which urine is excreted from the body.

The rate at which filtrate is produced in glomerular filtration

The amount of protein present in the urine.

The glomerular filtration rate refers to the rate at which filtrate is produced in glomerular filtration, typically around 125 mL per minute.

Explanation

The glomerular filtration rate refers to the rate at which filtrate is produced in glomerular filtration, typically around 125 mL per minute.

13. What cells in the kidneys sense blood pressure and sodium levels in the blood and act to correct any large changes?

The juxtaglomerular cells sense and react to variations in sodium and blood pressure.

The distal convoluted tubule cells regulate blood pressure and sodium levels.

The proximal tubule cells monitor blood pressure and sodium levels.

The interstitial cells are responsible for detecting and correcting changes

The juxtaglomerular cells are specialized cells in the kidney that are responsible for monitoring blood pressure and sodium levels in the blood and initiating mechanisms to correct any significant changes. The other options do not accurately describe the specific cells involved in this regulatory process.

Explanation

The juxtaglomerular cells are specialized cells in the kidney that are responsible for monitoring blood pressure and sodium levels in the blood and initiating mechanisms to correct any significant changes. The other options do not accurately describe the specific cells involved in this regulatory process.