Advanced Biomimetics: Understanding Renal Functions and Blood Dynamics

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Quizzes Created: 7153 | Total Attempts: 9,522,701

| Questions: 22 | Updated: Sep 29, 2025

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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.

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About This Quiz

Explore the intricate field of Advanced Biomimetics, focusing on life-like virtual habitats. This assessment enhances understanding of biomimetic applications in science, targeting essential skills for innovative biological solutions.

2. What's your name?

We’ll put your name on your report, certificate, and leaderboard.

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.

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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.

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

- The maximum rate of reabsorption by active transport through thenephron tubules

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.

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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.

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

2. Regulation of body temperature

1. Digestion of food

3. Production of saliva

The seven functions of the urinary system are: 1. urine formation, 2. pH control, 3. blood pressure regulation, 4. stimulation... The seven functions of the urinary system are: 1. urine formation, 2. pH control, 3. blood pressure regulation, 4. stimulation of red blood cell formation by the red bone marrow, 5. vitamin D activation,6. transport of urine, 7. and storage and release of urine.

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

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7. How can the desk drawer analogy be related to urine formation?

The desk drawer analogy does not have any relation to urine formation as they involve completely different processes.

Cleaning a desk drawer involves discarding unnecessary items, whereas urine formation produces essential components for the body.

The desk drawer analogy involves organizing items based on importance, which does not correlate with urine formation.

When cleaning a desk drawer, you can dump everything out of the desk drawer and then startputting back the things... When cleaning a desk drawer, you can dump everything out of the desk drawer and then startputting back the things you want to keep. Anything left in the pile at the end is waste. If youmake a mistake and put something in the drawer, you can always take it out again and return it tothe waste pile. This is like urine formation. The kidney receives all contents of the bloodplasma (except proteins), and then it puts back the things that the blood needs. Anything else iswaste. If something gets back into the blood, it can be put back into the urine before the processis finished.

The correct answer draws a parallel between the process of cleaning a desk drawer and urine formation, stating that both involve filtering out unnecessary components to retain what is essential. The three incorrect answers fail to establish a connection between the analogy and urine formation, leading to their dismissal.

Explanation

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

Filtration, reabsorption, and water reabsorption.

The four steps are filtration, reabsorption, secretion, and water reabsorption. Water reabsorption is often grouped together with reabsorption so... The four steps are filtration, reabsorption, secretion, and water reabsorption. Water reabsorption is often grouped together with reabsorption so that there are only 3 steps to urineformation.

Filtration, secretion, and water reabsorption.

Filtration, reabsorption, and secretion.

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9. What two factors assure a high GFR?

The concentration of electrolytes in the blood and the level of hydration.

The size of the kidneys and the amount of urine production.

The length of the renal tubules and the number of nephrons in the kidneys.

A high GFR comes from the high permeability of the glomerular capillaries and the highglomerular capillary pressure.

A high GFR is primarily determined by the high permeability of the glomerular capillaries allowing for filtration and the high glomerular capillary pressure that drives the filtration process. Factors such as kidney size, urine production, electrolyte concentration, hydration level, length of renal tubules, and number of nephrons do not directly assure a high GFR.

Explanation

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10. What two things are usually required for a substance to be actively reabsorbed? What exception exists to this general rule?

B) Substance usually needs ATP and passive transport. Exception to this is sodium, which is absorbed by active transport only.

To be actively reabsorbed, a substance usually needs a carrier and ATP. The exception tothis is protein, which needs only... To be actively reabsorbed, a substance usually needs a carrier and ATP. The exception tothis is protein, which needs only ATP, because proteins are absorbed by pinocytosis.

C) Substance usually needs a carrier and energy. Exception to this is water, which is absorbed through osmosis.

A) Substance usually needs a carrier and passive diffusion. Exception to this is glucose, which is absorbed via simple diffusion.

In this question, the correct answer explains the general requirements for active reabsorption of substances along with the exception of protein. The incorrect answers provide plausible but inaccurate statements regarding the requirements and exceptions in substance reabsorption.

Explanation

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

Water is the main substance which is passively reabsorbed. Urea is another prime example.

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

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12. If the reabsorption T-max of a substance is very high, do you expect to find a lot of that substance in the urine or only a little?

The substance will only be present in urine if there is an excess amount.

You expect to find a lot of it in the urine.

If the reabsorption T-max is high, it means that a lot of the substance is actively reabsorbed.As a result, it... If the reabsorption T-max is high, it means that a lot of the substance is actively reabsorbed.As a result, it will go into the blood and not be left in the urine. Thus, you expect to find only alittle of it in the urine.

The substance will be excreted equally through urine and sweat.

If the reabsorption T-max is high, it means that a lot of the substance is actively reabsorbed, leading to a lower amount being excreted in the urine.

Explanation

If the reabsorption T-max is high, it means that a lot of the substance is actively reabsorbed, leading to a lower amount being excreted in the urine.

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13. 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. Thus, theconcentration decreases in the... If a substance is secreted by the nephron, it is going back into the urine. Thus, theconcentration decreases in the blood.

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.

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14. Compare the concentration of solutes in the filtrate to that of blood plasma at the following points in the nephron: a. the proximal tubule.

A. In the proximal tubule, the filtrate has a significantly higher concentration of solutes compared to blood plasma.

A. In the proximal tubule, the filtrate is completely devoid of solutes compared to blood plasma.

A. In the proximal tubule, the filtrate has a significantly lower concentration of solutes compared to blood plasma.

A. In the proximal tubule, the filtrate has just entered the nephron. Thus, it has roughly thesame concentration of solutes... A. In the proximal tubule, the filtrate has just entered the nephron. Thus, it has roughly thesame concentration of solutes as does blood plasma.

In the proximal tubule, filtration occurs where small molecules are filtered out of the blood and into the tubule. This initial filtrate is similar in solute concentration to blood plasma before reabsorption and secretion processes take place further along the nephron.

Explanation

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15. Compare the concentration of solutes in the filtrate to that of blood plasma at the lower portion of the descending limb of the loop of Henle.

The concentration of solutes in the filtrate is equal to that of blood plasma in the lower portion of the... The concentration of solutes in the filtrate is equal to that of blood plasma in the lower portion of the descending limb of the loop of Henle.

The concentration of solutes in the filtrate is lower than that of blood plasma in the lower portion of the... The concentration of solutes in the filtrate is lower than that of blood plasma in the lower portion of the descending limb of the loop of Henle.

The concentration of solutes in the filtrate decreases as it moves through the lower portion of the descending limb of... The concentration of solutes in the filtrate decreases as it moves through the lower portion of the descending limb of the loop of Henle.

B. As the filtrate descends into the medulla, water leaves the nephron, concentrating the filtrate.Thus, the filtrate has a higher... B. As the filtrate descends into the medulla, water leaves the nephron, concentrating the filtrate.Thus, the filtrate has a higher concentration of solutes in the lower portion of the descendinglimb of the loop of Henle.

In the lower portion of the descending limb of the loop of Henle, water leaves the nephron, leading to a higher concentration of solutes in the filtrate compared to blood plasma.

Explanation

In the lower portion of the descending limb of the loop of Henle, water leaves the nephron, leading to a higher concentration of solutes in the filtrate compared to blood plasma.

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16. Compare the concentration of solutes in the filtrate to that of blood plasma at the bottom of the loop of Henle in the nephron.

C. As the filtrate descends into the medulla, water leaves the nephron, concentrating the filtrate.Thus, the filtrate has a higher... C. As the filtrate descends into the medulla, water leaves the nephron, concentrating the filtrate.Thus, the filtrate has a higher concentration of solutes at the bottom of the loop of Henle.

The concentration of solutes is lower in the filtrate compared to blood plasma at the bottom of the loop of... The concentration of solutes is lower in the filtrate compared to blood plasma at the bottom of the loop of Henle.

The concentration of solutes is the same in the filtrate and blood plasma at the bottom of the loop of... The concentration of solutes is the same in the filtrate and blood plasma at the bottom of the loop of Henle.

The concentration of solutes in the filtrate is negligible compared to blood plasma at the bottom of the loop of... The concentration of solutes in the filtrate is negligible compared to blood plasma at the bottom of the loop of Henle.

At the bottom of the loop of Henle, due to the reabsorption of water, the filtrate becomes more concentrated with solutes compared to blood plasma. This concentration gradient is essential for the kidneys to regulate water balance and osmolarity in the body.

Explanation

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17. Compare the concentration of solutes in the filtrate to that of blood plasma at the upper portion of the ascending limb of the loop of Henle.

The concentration of solutes in the filtrate remains the same as that of plasma in the upper portion of the... The concentration of solutes in the filtrate remains the same as that of plasma in the upper portion of the ascending limb of the loop of Henle.

The concentration of solutes in the filtrate becomes equal to that of plasma in the upper portion of the ascending... The concentration of solutes in the filtrate becomes equal to that of plasma in the upper portion of the ascending limb of the loop of Henle.

At this point, the concentration of solutes in the filtrate is higher than that of plasma.

D. As the filtrate rises up the ascending limb of the loop of Henle, solutes are activelytransported out of the... D. As the filtrate rises up the ascending limb of the loop of Henle, solutes are activelytransported out of the filtrate, but water is not allowed to follow. Thus, the concentration ofsolutes in the filtrate is lower than that of plasma.

As the filtrate moves up the ascending limb of the loop of Henle, solutes are actively pumped out, leading to a lower concentration compared to plasma where the balance shifts towards a higher concentration. This concentration gradient facilitates the reabsorption of water and allows the nephron to regulate the body's overall solute levels.

Explanation

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18. 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. This provides for urination inbabies. As we develop, we learn to control the... The internal urinary sphincter is controlled automatically. This provides for urination inbabies. As we develop, we learn to control the external urinary sphincter, which allows us todecide when we urinate.

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.

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

Angiotensin I

Aldosterone is the hormone stimulated by the secretions of the juxtaglomerular cells. Theanswer is not renin, angiotensinogen, angiotensin I, or... Aldosterone is the hormone stimulated by the secretions of the juxtaglomerular cells. Theanswer is not renin, angiotensinogen, angiotensin I, or angiotensin II, because these moleculesare not hormones. However, angiotensin II stimulates the release of aldosterone from theadrenal cortex, so aldosterone is the hormone affected by the juxtaglomerular cells

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

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20. 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(125 mL/minute)

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.

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21. What causes a high GCP? What two factors fight the GCP? What is the difference between these two pressures and the GCP? What happens when the GCP gets lower than the sum of the other two factors?

Glomerular capillary pressure is high due to dilated afferent arteriole. GCP is fought by oncotic pressure and hydrostatic pressure. The... Glomerular capillary pressure is high due to dilated afferent arteriole. GCP is fought by oncotic pressure and hydrostatic pressure. The difference between GCP and the sum of these two pressures is 12 mmHg. When GCP gets lower than the sum of these pressures, glomerular filtration increases significantly.

The high GCP is caused by low blood volume. GCP is fought by intrapleural pressure and intracranial pressure. The difference... The high GCP is caused by low blood volume. GCP is fought by intrapleural pressure and intracranial pressure. The difference between GCP and the sum of these two pressures is 3 mmHg. If the GCP decreases below the sum of the other two factors, it leads to increased glomerular filtration and improved kidney function.

Glomerular capillary pressure is high because the efferent arteriole is thinner than theafferent arteriole. GCP is fought by capsular pressure... Glomerular capillary pressure is high because the efferent arteriole is thinner than theafferent arteriole. GCP is fought by capsular pressure and colloid osmotic pressure. Thedifference between GCP and the sum of these two pressures is 7 mmHg. If the GCP loses 7mmHg of pressure, no more glomerular filtration occurs, which leads to renal shutdown.

Glomerular capillary pressure is high because the efferent arteriole is thicker than the afferent arteriole. GCP is fought by interstitial... Glomerular capillary pressure is high because the efferent arteriole is thicker than the afferent arteriole. GCP is fought by interstitial pressure and hydrostatic pressure. The difference between GCP and the sum of these two pressures is 5 mmHg. If the GCP gets lower than the sum of these factors, an increase in glomerular filtration occurs.

The correct answer explains the relationship between GCP, capsular pressure, and colloid osmotic pressure leading to renal shutdown when GCP decreases by 7 mmHg. The incorrect answers provide different incorrect explanations to test understanding of the concepts.

Explanation

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

The juxtaglomerular cells detect and respond to changes in blood pressure and sodium levelin the blood.

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 in blood pressure and sodium levels.

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

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