- In the simulation, why was the ascending limb of the nephron selected to study the effect of the diuretic drug? (2 points)
- What is renal perfusion and how does it affect blood pressure? (2 points)
- Compare and contrast the cortical and Juxtamedullary nephrons. (2 points)
- What are the hormones that regulate urine output? (2 points)
- What is countercurrent multiplication in a nephron and how does it affect the urine concentration? (2 points)
- Reflection: Reflect on at least 2 key concepts you have learned from this simulation.
How can you apply it to human health and diseases?
Full Answer Section
enin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). This system causes the kidneys to retain sodium and water, which increases blood volume and blood pressure.
Compare and contrast the cortical and Juxtamedullary nephrons.
Cortical nephrons are the most common type of nephron. They are located in the outer part of the kidney, and they make up about 85% of all nephrons. Juxtamedullary nephrons are located in the inner part of the kidney, and they make up about 15% of all nephrons.
The main difference between cortical and Juxtamedullary nephrons is that Juxtamedullary nephrons have longer loops of Henle. This allows them to concentrate urine more effectively than cortical nephrons.
What are the hormones that regulate urine output?
There are three main hormones that regulate urine output: antidiuretic hormone (ADH), aldosterone, and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP).
- ADH is produced by the hypothalamus and stored in the posterior pituitary gland. It causes the kidneys to retain water by increasing the permeability of the collecting ducts to water.
- Aldosterone is produced by the adrenal cortex. It causes the kidneys to retain sodium by increasing the reabsorption of sodium in the distal convoluted tubule and collecting ducts.
- ANP is produced by the heart. It causes the kidneys to excrete sodium and water by increasing the glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
What is countercurrent multiplication in a nephron and how does it affect urine concentration?
Countercurrent multiplication is a process that occurs in the loop of Henle of the nephron. It allows the kidneys to concentrate urine by creating a gradient of solute concentration in the medulla of the kidney.
The ascending limb of the loop of Henle is permeable to water, but it is not permeable to solutes. This means that water will be drawn out of the ascending limb, but solutes will be retained. The descending limb of the loop of Henle is permeable to solutes, but it is not permeable to water. This means that solutes will be drawn into the descending limb, but water will not be retained.
The combination of these two processes creates a gradient of solute concentration in the medulla of the kidney. This gradient allows the kidneys to concentrate urine by up to 10 times the concentration of the original fluid.
I hope this answers your questions. Let me know if you have any other questions.