Instructions

Please read each section/question carefully. Answer questions in complete sentences, and if/when you need to cite outside materials, please use footnotes. All work is to be typed, and may be submitted either by email or in class. This assignment is due no later than midnight TUESDAY AUGUST 23rd. NO LATE PAPERS ACCEPTED

Short Answer:

Why are the kidneys said to be ‘retroperitoneal’?

Why is there much greater filtration thru glomerular capillaries than through capillaries elsewhere in the body?

Explain the reason for the absence of glucose in the urine.

Define: Dialysis.  There are two methods of dialysis: Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis – Explain the mechanisms of each.

By what three methods is the H+ concentration on body fluids regulated?

Case Study 1

Tammy went to Florida in January to participate in a Triathlon.  Despite adequate training and finishing in a respectable time, she wasn’t quite acclimated to the heat and humidity, and sweated profusely through the biking and running portions.  Later that evening she noticed she was passing more concentrated urine, at a lower volume. 

Q:  Explain why Tammy is likely to have a lowered urinary output for the next day or so.

Q2: What mechanisms allow Tammy to alter the concentration of her urine as she produces large amounts of sweat?

Case Study 2:

Mrs. R is breathing rapidly & slurring her speech when her husband calls the clinic in a panic.  Shortly after, she becomes comatose.  Tests show that her blood glucose and ketone levels are high and her husband said that she was urinating every few minutes before she became lethargic.

Q1: What is Mrs. R’s problem?

Q2: Would you expect her blood pH to be acidic or alkaline? Why?

Q3: What is the significance of her rapid breathing?

Q4: Are her kidneys reabsorbing or secreting bicarbonate ions during this crisis?

Case Study 3

Jeffrey had a bad fall while out hiking and sustained many injuries. His blood pressure began to fall over the next hour. His friends frantically tried to call for help on their cell phones, while keeping him comfortable, and hydrated as best as they could.

Q1: What mechanisms are triggered to maintain Jeffrey’s blood pressure? [Hint there is one associated with the brain, and one in the kidney – just name them]

Q2: describe how the kidneys monitor blood pressure – name the cells responsible for this function.

Q3: Discuss how the substances secreted from the kidneys initiate a systemic response to the low blood pressure.

Q4: Name the two hormones that have a direct effect on the kidneys in an effort to raise Jeffrey’s blood pressure, and discuss how they work, and what specific part[s] of the kidneys are targeted by these hormones. Also name the substances that are being reabsorbed into the peritubular capillaries in response to these hormones.