In a healthy kidney, very little ________ is filtered by the glomerulus.
Amino acids
Electrolytes
Glucose
Vitamins
protein
The Correct Answer is E
A. Amino acids: These small organic molecules are readily filtered through the glomerular basement membrane into the tubular fluid. In a healthy kidney, they are almost entirely reabsorbed in the proximal convoluted tubule via active transport. Their presence in initial filtrate is normal despite their later recovery.
B. Electrolytes: Ions such as sodium, potassium, and chloride pass freely through the glomerular filtration barrier due to their small molecular size. The kidney filters massive quantities of these solutes daily to maintain osmotic and electrolytic balance. They are not restricted by the physical pores of the glomerulus.
C. Glucose: This hexose sugar is small enough to be filtered across the glomerular capillaries into Bowman's space. Under normal glycemic conditions, the proximal tubules reabsorb 100% of the filtered glucose to prevent its loss in urine. Initial filtration of glucose is a standard physiological process.
D. Vitamins: Water-soluble vitamins are relatively small molecules that easily enter the nephron through the glomerular filtration process. The body then regulates their levels through selective tubular reabsorption or excretion. Their small size prevents them from being excluded by the glomerular filtration slits.
E. protein: Large plasma proteins, such as albumin, are restricted from the filtrate by the size-selective and charge-selective glomerular barrier. The fenestrated endothelium and podocyte slit diaphragms prevent the passage of these macromolecules into the nephron. Significant proteinuria indicates a breakdown in glomerular integrity.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Spleen: While splenectomy increases the risk of overwhelming post-splenectomy infection (OPSI) in both children and adults, it is not the primary organ of early immune development. The spleen functions largely in filtering blood and recycling erythrocytes. Its loss is significant but manageable through prophylactic antibiotics and vaccinations at any age.
B. lymph node: The human body contains hundreds of lymph nodes distributed throughout various regional chains. The surgical removal of a single node or even a small group does not compromise systemic immune competence. Their redundancy ensures that lymphatic filtration and antigen presentation continue effectively despite the loss of individual nodes.
C. thymus: In a one-year-old, the thymus is at its peak physiological activity, driving the maturation and selection of the entire T cell repertoire. Early childhood thymectomy leads to profound and permanent immunodeficiency due to the lack of newly educated T cells. In adults, the thymus has already undergone involution and its removal is far less detrimental.
D. appendix: This structure contains a small amount of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue but is not essential for systemic immune development. Its removal, typically performed during an appendectomy, does not result in measurable immunocompromise in infants or adults. It serves as a secondary rather than primary lymphoid organ.
E. palatine tonsil: Tonsillectomy is a common pediatric procedure that generally has no significant long-term impact on systemic health or immune function. While these tonsils assist in local oral immunity, other lymphoid tissues in Waldeyer's ring compensate for their absence. Their removal is not considered harmful to the overall development of the child.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. adrenal medulla, epinephrine: The adrenal medulla secretes catecholamines like epinephrine in response to acute sympathetic stimulation. These hormones primarily influence cardiovascular and metabolic activity, such as increasing heart rate and glycogenolysis. They do not have a direct mineralocorticoid effect on renal sodium or water retention.
B. pancreas; cortisol: Cortisol is a glucocorticoid produced by the adrenal cortex, not the pancreas, in response to systemic stress. While it has minor mineralocorticoid activity at very high levels, its primary role involves metabolic regulation and immune suppression. The pancreas focuses on glucose homeostasis through insulin and glucagon.
C. kidneys; corticosterone: The kidneys secrete renin and erythropoietin but do not synthesize corticosterone. Corticosterone is a corticosteroid produced in the adrenal glands of many species. While the kidney is the target for mineralocorticoids, it does not produce them as a local or systemic secretion.
D. adrenal cortex aldosterone: The zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex secretes aldosterone, a potent mineralocorticoid. This hormone acts on the distal tubules of the kidney to stimulate the reabsorption of sodium ions, which leads to osmotic water retention. It is a critical component of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.
E. thyroid; calcitonin: Calcitonin is secreted by the parafollicular cells of the thyroid gland to lower blood calcium levels. It inhibits osteoclast activity and promotes calcium excretion by the kidneys. It has no significant effect on the renal handling of sodium or the retention of total body water.
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