This MCQ tests understanding of basic priciples relating to kidney anatomy (microanatomical structure) and function (ex. main functions of the kidney).

Peer reviewed by Jonathan Loomes-Vrdoljak on 5 August 2019

Intro to the Kidney MCQ

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Question 1

Inulin is one of the most accurate measures of urinary excretion rate, why is this?

A
It is filtered and partially reabsorbed so it accurately reflects what happens to substances in the filtrate
B
It is filtered only, so its concentration in the urine is proportionate to the amount in the blood
C
It is filtered and secreted, accurately representing how the kidney processes multiple substances as a whole
D
It is filtered and completely reabsorbed, reflecting how glucose is handled by the kidney
Question 2

How would the basement membrane of the glomerular filtration barrier prevent the passage of albumin?

A
By repulsion of albumin’s positive charge
B
By having fenestrations smaller than the size of albumin
C
By having fenestrations of different shape to albumin
D
By repulsion of albumin’s negative charge
Question 2 Explanation: 
The basement membrane has a negative charge which repels albumin's negative charge
Question 3

A decrease in blood flow to an interlobular artery could result from stenosis of which artery?

A
Arcuate artery
B
Afferent arteriole
C
Efferent arteriole
D
Vasa recta
Question 3 Explanation: 
B,C,D are all distal to the interlobular artery
Question 4

What are the main ions contributing to the concentration gradient in extracellular fluid?

A
Calcium and bicarbonate
B
Potassium, phosphate and inorganic anions
C
Sodium and potassium
D
Sodium and chloride
Question 5

What are the three components of the glomerular filtration barrier and their filtration characteristics?

A
Fenestrated endothelium (filters based on size and shape), hepatocytes (filters based on size and shape), type 2 pneumocytes (filters based on size and shape)
B
Blood vessel (filters based on charge), glomerulous (filters based on size and shape), bowman’s capsule (filters based on size and shape)
C
Fenestrated endothelium (filters based on size and shape), basement membrane (filters based on charge), podocytes (filters based on size and shape)
D
2 layers of fenestrated endothelium (filters based on size and shape), Basement membrane (filters based on charge)
Question 6

A patient has nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. Which part of the uriniferous tubule is most likely to be affected?

A
Proximal convoluted tubule
B
Collecting duct
C
Thick ascending loop of Henle
D
Thick descending loop of Henle
Question 6 Explanation: 
ADH acts on the distal convoluted tubule and collecting duct to promote the expression of Aquaporin 2, which reabsorbs water from the filtrate, leading to more concentrated urine and increased hydration.
Question 7

What would be the most likely long-term consequence of chronic kidney disease?

A
Anaemia of chronic disease
B
Liver cirrosis
C
Portal hypertension
D
Cancer
Question 7 Explanation: 
In chronic kidney disease endocrine functions of the kidney are reduced/impaired, including its ability to produce EPO, which normally promotes the formation of red blood cells.
Question 8

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

A
Calcium homeostasis
B
Regulation of ECF sodium
C
Synthesis of ADH
D
Regulation of body fluid volume
Question 8 Explanation: 
ADH is synthesised in the hypothalamus
Question 9

How is urinary filtration rate calculated?

A
Urinary excretion rate = Filtration rate + Secretion rate + Reabsorption rate
B
Urinary excretion rate = Filtration rate - Secretion rate – Reabsorption rate
C
Urinary excretion rate = Filtration rate + Secretion rate – Reabsorption rate
D
Urinary excretion rate = (Filtration rate + Secretion rate) /Reabsorption rate
Question 10

Which is not one of the four ways a substance is handled by the kidney?

A
Filtered
B
Filtered and partially reabsorbed
C
Filtered and completely reabsorbed
D
None of the above
Question 10 Explanation: 
These are all ways in which the kidney handles substances
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