1.

What is the glomerulus?

a. Afferent arteriole

b. Efferent arteriole

c. Capillary tuft

d. Peritubular capillaries

e. Vasa recta

Answer: c

The afferent arteriole branches off the interlobular artery. The afferent arteriole supplies blood to the
glomerulus. The glomerulus is a capillary tuft. The glomerular capillaries converge to form the efferent
arteriole. The peritubular capillaries is a second capillary network which arise after the efferent arteriole.
They surround the proximal tubule, loop of Henle, and distal tubule. Vasa recta are the "straight vessels"
which arise from some of the efferent arterioles.

2.

What is a renal pyramid and its associated cortex referred to?

a. Medulla

b. Lobe

c. Renal columns

d. Nephron

e. Medullary ray

Answer: b

The kidney can be divided into an outer cortex and an inner medulla. A kidney lobe consists of a
medullary pyramid, its overlying cortex, and the associated renal column. The renal columns are the
tissue in between the pyramids. The nephron is the functional unit of the kidney. A region where a
portion of the medulla project into the renal cortex are referred to as medullary ray.
3.

Approximately how many nephrons are there in each kidney?

a. 1,000

b. 10,000

c. 100,000

d. 1,000,000

e. 10,000,000

Answer: d

There are approximately one million (1,000,000) nephrons in each kidney. The nephron is the functional
unit of the kidney.

4.

What is the Malpighian corpuscle?

a. Glomerulus

b. Bowman's capsule

c. Renal corpuscle

d. Loop of Henle

e. Distal convoluted tubule

Answer: c

The functional unit of the kidney is the nephron. The nephron can be divided into the glomerulus and
uriniferous tubule. The capillary tuft of the nephron is referred to as the glomerulus. Bowman's capsule
is a double layered cap surrounding the glomerulus. This is the first portion of the uriniferous tubule.
The glomerulus and Bowman's capsule make up the renal corpuscle. Another term for the renal
corpuscle is Malpighian corpuscle.
Bowman's capsule leads to the proximal convoluted tubule. The proximal convoluted tubule leads to the
loop of Henle. This then leads to the distal convoluted tubule. The distal convoluted tubule then leads to
the collecting duct.

5.

What are the ducts of Bellini?

a. Collecting tubules

b. Distal convoluted tubule

c. Proximal convoluted tubule

d. Loop of Henle

e. Medullary ray

Answer: a

Large collecting tubules near the apex of the pyramid are the ducts of Bellini. The ducts of Bellini are
also called a papillary ducts.

6.

What are the foot processes on podocytes?

a. Visceral layer of Bowman's capsule

b. Parietal layer of Bowman's capsule

c. Pedicels

d. Juxtaglomerular cells

e. Macula densa

Answer: c
The inner layer of Bowman's capsule is the visceral layer. It consists of cells called podocytes. The outer
layer of Bowman's capsule is the parietal layer. Pedicels are the foot processes on the podocytes. The
juxtaglomerular cells secrete renin. The macula densa are specialized cells in the distal convoluted
tubule that are sensitive to sodium. The juxtaglomerular cells and macula densa make up the
juxtaglomerular apparatus.

7.

What vessel is a branch of the interlobular artery?

a. Afferent arteriole

b. Efferent arteriole

c. Capillary tuft

d. Peritubular capillaries

e. Vasa recta

Answer: a

The afferent arteriole branches off the interlobular artery. The afferent arteriole supplies blood to the
glomerulus. The glomerulus is a capillary tuft. The glomerular capillaries converge to form the efferent
arteriole. The peritubular capillaries is a second capillary network which arise after the efferent arteriole.
They surround the proximal tubule, loop of Henle, and distal tubule. Vasa recta are the "straight vessels"
which arise from some of the efferent arterioles.

8.

What type of tissue lines the bladder?

a. Simple squamous epithelium

b. Simple cuboidal epithelium

c. Simple columnar epithelium

d. Stratified squamous epithelium

e. Transitional epithelium

Answer: e
The lining of the bladder is transitional epithelium. Epithelium lines body cavities and surfaces. There are
domed shaped cells on the apical surface.

9.

What is the projection of the medulla into the renal cortex called?

a. Medulla

b. Lobe

c. Renal columns

d. Nephron

e. Medullary ray

Answer: e

The kidney can be divided into an outer cortex and an inner medulla. A kidney lobe consists of a
medullary pyramid, its overlying cortex, and the associated renal column. The renal columns are the
tissue in between the pyramids. The nephron is the functional unit of the kidney. A region where a
portion of the medulla project into the renal cortex are referred to as medullary ray.

10.

What makes up the Juxtaglomerular apparatus?

a. Pedicels

b. Juxtaglomerular cells

c. Macula densa

d. Both a and b

e. Both b and c

Answer: e

The inner layer of Bowman's capsule is the visceral layer. It consists of cells called podocytes. Pedicels
are the foot processes on the podocytes. The juxtaglomerular cells secrete renin. The macula densa are
specialized cells in the distal convoluted tubule that are sensitive to sodium. The juxtaglomerular cells
and macula densa make up the juxtaglomerular apparatus.

1.

What vessels arise from the efferent arteriole?

a. Afferent arteriole

b. Efferent arteriole

c. Capillary tuft

d. Peritubular capillaries

e. Vasa recta

Answer: d

The afferent arteriole branches off the interlobular artery. The afferent arteriole supplies blood to the
glomerulus. The glomerulus is a capillary tuft. The glomerular capillaries converge to form the efferent
arteriole. The peritubular capillaries is a second capillary network which arise after the efferent arteriole.
They surround the proximal tubule, loop of Henle, and distal tubule. Vasa recta are the "straight vessels"
which arise from some of the efferent arterioles.

2.

Which structure does the proximal convoluted lead to?

a. Glomerulus

b. Bowman's capsule

c. Renal corpuscle

d. Loop of Henle

e. Distal convoluted tubule

Answer: d

The functional unit of the kidney is the nephron. The nephron can be divided into the glomerulus and
uriniferous tubule. The capillary tuft of the nephron is referred to as the glomerulus. Bowman's capsule
is a double layered cap surrounding the glomerulus. This is the first portion of the uriniferous tubule.
The glomerulus and Bowman's capsule make up the renal corpuscle. Another term for the renal
corpuscle is Malpighian corpuscle.

Bowman's capsule leads to the proximal convoluted tubule. The proximal convoluted tubule leads to the
loop of Henle. This then leads to the distal convoluted tubule. The distal convoluted tubule then leads to
the collecting duct.

3.

What is the correct term for the foot processes on podocytes?

a. Pedis

b. Pedicels

c. Pedalis

d. Pes

e. Pediocyte

Answer: b

The inner layer of Bowman's capsule is the visceral layer. It consists of cells called podocytes. Pedicels
are the foot processes on the podocytes.

Note from Sarah Bellham: The Latin prefix pedalis, pes and pedis refers to the foot. Such words include
pedal, pedicure, pedestrian and of course, the one we are all familiar with, the foot process on
podocytes, which are pedicels.

4.

Which of the following is NOT a function of the kidney?

a. Erythropoietin production

b. Vitamin D modification
c. Acid base balance

d. Aldosterone production

e. Renin production

Answer: d

The kidney is involved in several things, in addition to urine production.

Erythropoietin is produced in the kidney. Vitamin D is modified in the kidney, specifically, there is the
addition of hydroxyl groups. The kidney plays an important role in acid base balance. Renin is produced
in the kidney.

Aldosterone is produced in the adrenal gland.

5.

What is the space between the renal pyramids called?

a. Medulla

b. Lobe

c. Renal columns

d. Nephron

e. Medullary ray

Answer: c

The kidney can be divided into an outer cortex and an inner medulla. A kidney lobe consists of a
medullary pyramid, its overlying cortex, and the associated renal column. The renal columns are the
tissue in between the pyramids. The nephron is the functional unit of the kidney. A region where a
portion of the medulla project into the renal cortex are referred to as medullary ray.

6.
What is the capillary tuft of the nephron?

a. Glomerulus

b. Bowman's capsule

c. Renal corpuscle

d. Loop of Henle

e. Distal convoluted tubule

Answer: a

The functional unit of the kidney is the nephron. The nephron can be divided into the glomerulus and
uriniferous tubule. The capillary tuft of the nephron is referred to as the glomerulus. Bowman's capsule
is a double layered cap surrounding the glomerulus. This is the first portion of the uriniferous tubule.
The glomerulus and Bowman's capsule make up the renal corpuscle. Another term for the renal
corpuscle is Malpighian corpuscle.

Bowman's capsule leads to the proximal convoluted tubule. The proximal convoluted tubule leads to the
loop of Henle. This then leads to the distal convoluted tubule. The distal convoluted tubule then leads to
the collecting duct.

7.

What vessel supplies blood to the glomerulus?

a. Afferent arteriole

b. Efferent arteriole

c. Capillary tuft

d. Peritubular capillaries

e. Vasa recta

Answer: a
The afferent arteriole branches off the interlobular artery. The afferent arteriole supplies blood to the
glomerulus. The glomerulus is a capillary tuft. The glomerular capillaries converge to form the efferent
arteriole. The peritubular capillaries is a second capillary network which arise after the efferent arteriole.
They surround the proximal tubule, loop of Henle, and distal tubule. Vasa recta are the "straight vessels"
which arise from some of the efferent arterioles.

8.

What type of tissue composes the kidney tubules?

a. Simple squamous epithelium

b. Simple cuboidal epithelium

c. Simple columnar epithelium

d. Stratified squamous epithelium

e. Transitional epithelium

Answer: b

The kidney tubules are simple cuboidal epithelium. Epithelium lines body cavities and surfaces. Simple
cuboidal epithelium is "simple" because it is one cell thick. "Cuboidal" refers to the shape of the cells.

9.

Where is renin secreted from?

a. Visceral layer of Bowman's capsule

b. Parietal layer of Bowman's capsule

c. Pedicels

d. Juxtaglomerular cells

e. Macula densa

Answer: d

The inner layer of Bowman's capsule is the visceral layer. It consists of cells called podocytes. The outer
layer of Bowman's capsule is the parietal layer. Pedicels are the foot processes on the podocytes. The
juxtaglomerular cells secrete renin. The macula densa are specialized cells in the distal convoluted
tubule that are sensitive to sodium. The juxtaglomerular cells and macula densa make up the
juxtaglomerular apparatus.

10.

What are the "straight vessels"?

a. Afferent arteriole

b. Efferent arteriole

c. Capillary tuft

d. Peritubular capillaries

e. Vasa recta

Answer: e

The afferent arteriole branches off the interlobular artery. The afferent arteriole supplies blood to the
glomerulus. The glomerulus is a capillary tuft. The glomerular capillaries converge to form the efferent
arteriole. The peritubular capillaries is a second capillary network which arise after the efferent arteriole.
They surround the proximal tubule, loop of Henle, and distal tubule. Vasa recta are the "straight vessels"
which arise from some of the efferent arterioles.

1.

What is the inner region of the kidney called?

a. Medulla

b. Lobe

c. Renal columns

d. Nephron

e. Medullary ray

Answer: a
The kidney can be divided into an outer cortex and an inner medulla. A kidney lobe consists of a
medullary pyramid, its overlying cortex, and the associated renal column. The renal columns are the
tissue in between the pyramids. The nephron is the functional unit of the kidney. A region where a
portion of the medulla project into the renal cortex are referred to as medullary ray.

2.

What is the double layered cap on the glomerulus?

a. Glomerulus

b. Bowman's capsule

c. Renal corpuscle

d. Loop of Henle

e. Distal convoluted tubule

Answer: b

The functional unit of the kidney is the nephron. The nephron can be divided into the glomerulus and
uriniferous tubule. The capillary tuft of the nephron is referred to as the glomerulus. Bowman's capsule
is a double layered cap surrounding the glomerulus. This is the first portion of the uriniferous tubule.
The glomerulus and Bowman's capsule make up the renal corpuscle. Another term for the renal
corpuscle is Malpighian corpuscle.

Bowman's capsule leads to the proximal convoluted tubule. The proximal convoluted tubule leads to the
loop of Henle. This then leads to the distal convoluted tubule. The distal convoluted tubule then leads to
the collecting duct.

3.

Where are podocytes seen?

a. Visceral layer of Bowman's capsule

b. Parietal layer of Bowman's capsule

c. Pedicels
d. Juxtaglomerular cells

e. Macula densa

Answer: a

The inner layer of Bowman's capsule is the visceral layer. It consists of cells called podocytes. The outer
layer of Bowman's capsule is the parietal layer. Pedicels are the foot processes on the podocytes. The
juxtaglomerular cells secrete renin. The macula densa are specialized cells in the distal convoluted
tubule that are sensitive to sodium. The juxtaglomerular cells and macula densa make up the
juxtaglomerular apparatus.

4.

What vessel is formed from an aggregation of the glomerular capillaries?

a. Afferent arteriole

b. Efferent arteriole

c. Capillary tuft

d. Peritubular capillaries

e. Vasa recta

Answer: c

The afferent arteriole branches off the interlobular artery. The afferent arteriole supplies blood to the
glomerulus. The glomerulus is a capillary tuft. The glomerular capillaries converge to form the efferent
arteriole. The peritubular capillaries is a second capillary network which arise after the efferent arteriole.
They surround the proximal tubule, loop of Henle, and distal tubule. Vasa recta are the "straight vessels"
which arise from some of the efferent arterioles.

5.

What is the functional unit of the kidney?

a. Medulla

b. Lobe

c. Renal columns
d. Nephron

e. Medullary ray

Answer: d

The kidney can be divided into an outer cortex and an inner medulla. A kidney lobe consists of a
medullary pyramid, its overlying cortex, and the associated renal column. The renal columns are the
tissue in between the pyramids. The nephron is the functional unit of the kidney. A region where a
portion of the medulla project into the renal cortex are referred to as medullary ray.

6.

Which structure leads to the collecting duct?

a. Glomerulus

b. Bowman's capsule

c. Renal corpuscle

d. Loop of Henle

e. Distal convoluted tubule

Answer: e

The functional unit of the kidney is the nephron. The nephron can be divided into the glomerulus and
uriniferous tubule. The capillary tuft of the nephron is referred to as the glomerulus. Bowman's capsule
is a double layered cap surrounding the glomerulus. This is the first portion of the uriniferous tubule.
The glomerulus and Bowman's capsule make up the renal corpuscle. Another term for the renal
corpuscle is Malpighian corpuscle.

Bowman's capsule leads to the proximal convoluted tubule. The proximal convoluted tubule leads to the
loop of Henle. This then leads to the distal convoluted tubule. The distal convoluted tubule then leads to
the collecting duct.

7.

What cells are sensitive to sodium concentration?

a. Visceral layer of Bowman's capsule

b. Parietal layer of Bowman's capsule

c. Pedicels

d. Juxtaglomerular cells

e. Macula densa

Answer: e

The inner layer of Bowman's capsule is the visceral layer. It consists of cells called podocytes. The outer
layer of Bowman's capsule is the parietal layer. Pedicels are the foot processes on the podocytes. The
juxtaglomerular cells secrete renin. The macula densa are specialized cells in the distal convoluted
tubule that are sensitive to sodium. The juxtaglomerular cells and macula densa make up the
juxtaglomerular apparatus.