Renal

Section 1

1 Which substance is 60 times more concentrated in urine than in plasma?

a) glucose
b) creatinine
c) sodium
d) urea

2 Regarding the anatomy of the kidney:

a) the afferent arteriole is smaller than the efferent
b) the kidney contains 1.3 million nephrons
c) there are three layers separating the blood in the arteriole from the glomerular
filtrate
d) podocytes are contractile and regulate GFR

3 Regarding the glomerulus filtration fx:

a) it allows passage of molecules up to 4nm diameter freely, and up to 8nm with
some difficulty depending on charge
b) positively charged molecules pass more easily than neutral
c) endothelial pores have a greater diameter than podocyte filtration slits
d) the basal lamina contains interruptions

4 Which causes an increase in GFR:

a) endothelins
b) noradrenalin
c) PGE2
d) histamine

5 The renal tubule:

a) all sections are lined with cuboidal epithelial cells with luminal microvilli
b) the thick loop of Henle rises to lie adjacent to its glomerulus
c) there are a greater number of juxtamedullary nephrons than cortical
d) the lacis cells of the juxtaglomerular apparatus secrete renin
 6 Regarding glomerular blood supply:
a) the efferent arterioles are branches of the interlobular arterioles
b) the descending vasa recta vessels contain fenestrated endothelium to assist urea
transport
c) the efferent arterioles empties into the peritubular network
d) the glomerular capillaries drain into the efferent vein

7 If [urine]PAH = 14mg/ml, urine flow = 0.9ml/min and [plasma]PAH = 0.02mg/ml

i) What is the clearance of PAH?
ii) If the extraction ratio of PAH is 0.9, what is the renal blood flow
(Hct=45%)?

a) ClPAH = 630, renal blood flow = 1273ml/min

b) ClPAH = 630, renal blood flow = 700mb/min
c) ClPAH = 77, renal blood flow = 155mb/min
d) ClPAH = 777mb/min, renal blood flow = 1569mb/min

8 Renal blood pressure:

a) the pressure drop across the glomerulus is about 20mmHg
b) pressure in the renal vein is about 15mmHg
c) the glomerular capillary pressure is about 80% that of arterial
d) the greatest drop in pressure (percentage wise) is from the efferent arteriole to the
peritubular capillary

9 Regarding renal innervation:

a) transplanted kidneys initially have reduced concentrating ability because of lack of
innervation of the juxtaglomerular cells and therefore decreased renin secretion
b) norepinephrine acts directly on α receptors on the juxtaglomerular cells
c) renal blood flow increases during exercise
d) autoregulation of renal blood flow can be disrupted by angiotensin-II inhibitors
when renal perfusion is low

10 The glomerular filtration rate:

a) is usually in the order of 125mL/min for an average healthy male
b) is equal to the clearance of creatinine
c) is indirectly related to filtration coefficient
d) is determined by [urine]inulin
??????
11 Which of the following will cause an increase in GFR?
a) dehydration
b) ureteral obstruction
c) afferent arteriole constriction
d) hypoproteinaemia

12 Na+ resorption does not occur in which part of the nephron?

a) proximal convoluted tubule
b) thin descending loop of Henle
c) thick ascending loop of Henle
d) distal convoluted tubule
e) collecting duct

13 Which is NOT resorbed via cotransport with Na+ in the PCT?

a) lactate
b) phosphate
c) hydrogen
d) amino acids

14 Fanconi’s syndrome of decreased levels of ATP in the tubular epithelium of the PCT:
a) decreases Na+ extrusion from the cell into the interstitium
b) causes increased phosphate absorption
c) causes metabolic alkalosis
d) results in decreased amino acid excretion

15 Anti-diuretic hormone controls the concentration of urine,

a) and can concentrate urine to up to 2500mosm/kg H??? H2O
b) in its absence, the collecting duct is impermeable to water
c) causing the ultimate resorption of up to 99.7% of the filtrate
d) by causing upregulation of aquaporin-1 channels

16 Regarding H+ renal excretion:

a) the distal convoluted tubule brush border contains carbonic anhydrase
b) H+ secretion occurs in all segments of the nephrons
c) H+ + NH3 →NH4+ is the most significant tubular buffering reaction
d) CO2 is recycled / resorbed in the PCT to allow enhanced acid secretion

17 In the nervous control of the bladder which nerves do NOT play a role in micturition?
a) sympathetic nerves from L2 in hypogastric nerve
b) somatic motor neurons in pudendal nerve
c) sensory neurons to S2/3 in pelvic nerves
d) parasympathetic supply in pelvic nerves
18 Which is the least significant buffering system in the blood?
a) H+ + plasma protein HProt
+ 2- -
b) H +HPO4 H2PO4
c) H++ HCO3- H2CO3
d) H+ + Hb HHb

19 In which body compartment is the bicarb buffering system least important?

a) intracellular
b) interstitial
c) CSF
d) blood

20 In which state is extracellular buffering more important than intracellular?

a) respiratory acidosis
b) respiratory alkalosis
c) metabolic acidosis
d) metabolic alkalosis

21 Renal acid secretion is enhanced by:

a) respiratory acidosis
b) respiratory alkalosis
c) hyperkalaemia
d) carbonic anhydrase inhibition

22 Carbonic anhydrase is not inhibited by:

a) cyanide
b) zinc
c) azide
d) sulphide

23 What increases GFR:

a) moderate constriction of efferent arterioles
b) moderate constriction of afferent arterioles
c) increased Bowman’s capsule pressure
d) increased glomerular capillary osmotic pressure

24 What increases the anion gap:

a) increased concentration of Mg2+
b) decreased concentration of plasma proteins
c) decreased concentration of lactate
d) increased concentration of ketoacids
25 Which is CORRECT?
a) humans have approximately 1.3 million nephrons
b) glomerular membrane excludes substances greater than 4nm in diameter
c) total area of glomerular capillary endothelium is 8m2
d) nephrons length is 45-65mm

26 Which of the following is TRUE?

a) U/P ratio for creatinine is 150mg/dl
b) U/P ratio for glucose is 10
c) Na concentration in the urine usually exceeds over 150mg/dl
d) the usual glucose excretion in the urine is 100mg/dl

27 Which of the following is FALSE?

a) proximal convoluted tubular cells have lateral intercellular spaces
b) the cells in the descending loop of Henle have large numbers of mitochondria
c) the ascending loop of Henle contributes to the formation of juxtaglomerular
apparatus
d) in humans only 15% of the nephrons have long loops

28 Regarding tubular function:

a) 90% of the water is absorbed by the proximal convoluted tubule
b) renal threshold for glucose is 300mg/dl
c) the main mechanism of the Na reabsorption from the tubular fluid to proximal
convoluted tubule is via Na/K/ATP a pump
d) the main mechanism of Na absorption in the ascending loop of Henle is via
cotransport of Na/K/2Cl:

29 The maximum effect of vasopressin occurs at:

a) distal convoluted tubule
b) proximal convoluted tubule
c) cortical part of the collecting duct
d) medullary part of collecting duct
e) thick ascending limb of loop of Henle

30 Regarding the buffer system in the tubular fluid, which one is TRUE?
a) the main buffer system is H2PO4
b) the main mechanism of H+ secretion in the proximal tubule is via proton pump
c) dibasic phosphate buffer is most effective at proximal convoluted tubule
d) the H+ secretion at proximal tubule is mediated Na/K/ATPase
31 Regarding the renin-angiotensin system, which is CORRECT?
a) renin has many functions including the formation of angiotensin I from
angiotensinogen
b) after nephrectomy, circulating levels of prorenin fall
c) renin is formed in the juxtaglomerular cells of the kidney
d) active renin has a half-life in the circulation of 40 minutes or less
e) prorenin is biologically active

32 All of the following increase renin secretion EXCEPT:

a) sodium depletion
b) diuretics
c) hypertension
d) cardiac failure
e) cirrhosis

33 All of the following factors inhibit renin secretion EXCEPT:

a) prostaglandins
b) angiotensin II
c) vasopressin
d) increased afferent arteriolar pressure
e) increased Na+ and Cl- reabsorption across the macular densa

34 Which of the following blood gas results is consistent with a three-week residence at
4000m altitude, after previously living at sea-level?
pH HCO3- (meq/L) pCO2
a) 7.40 24.1 40
b) 7.50 30.1 40
c) 6.96 5.0 23
d) 7.34 33.5 64
e) 7.48 18.7 26

35 In a resting adult, the kidneys receive how much of the cardiac output?
a) 15%
b) 20%
c) 25%
d) 30%
e) 35%
36 Which of the following is INCORRECT regarding regulation of renal blood flow?
a) noradrenaline constricts the renal vessels
b) dopamine causes renal vasodilation and natriuresis
c) angiotensin II exerts a constrictor effect on the efferent arterioles
d) prostaglandins increase blood flow in the renal cortex and decrease blood flow in
the renal medulla
e) acetylcholine produces renal vasoconstriction

37 Erythropoietin:
a) is produced in the juxtaglomerular cells of the kidney
b) production is stimulated by theophylline
c) secretion is facilitated by the acidosis that develops at high altitude
d) has a half-life in the circulation of about 5 hours
e) is produced predominantly in the spleen in neonates

38 Mesengial cell contraction is stimulated by:

a) ANP
b) dopamine
c) PGE2
d) cAMP
e) angiotensin II

39 Ethanol’s action as a diuretic occurs by:

a) inhibition of vasopressin secretion
b) inhibition of the action of vasopressin on the collecting duct
c) production of an osmotic diuresis
d) decreasing tubular reabsorption of Na and increasing GFR
e) inhibition of the Na+-K+-Cl- cotransporter in the medullary thick ascending limb of
the loop of Henle

40 With regard to diuretics:

a) frusemide acts on the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle
b) antagonists to V2 vasopressin receptors act on the early portion of the distal
convoluted tubule
c) thiazides act primarily on the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle
d) loop diuretics act on the collecting ducts
e) aldosterone antagonists act on the early portion of the distal convoluted tubule
Section 1

Answers

1 D
2 B
3 A
4 No answer
5 B
6 C
7 A
8 D
9 D
10 A
11 D
12 B
13 C
14 A
15 C
16 D
17 A
18 B
19 A
20 D
21 A
22 B
23 A
24 D
25 D
26 A
27 B
28 D
29 C
30 D
31 C
32 C
33 A
34 E
35 C
36 E
37 D
38 E
39 B
40 A
Section 2

1 In the presence of vasopressin, most filtered water is absorbed in the?

a) proximal tubule
b) loop of Henle
c) distal tubule
d) cortical collecting system
e) medullary collecting system

2 Which pattern of laboratory findings in the tale below is most consistent with a
diagnosis of diabetes insipidis?
24 Hr Urine Vol Ketones Glucose Protein
a) 4.0 + 0 0
b) 6.2 2+ 4+ 0
c) 1.6 0 0 4+
d) 6.4 0 0 0
e) 5.0 0 0 3+

3 On which of the following does aldosterone exert its greatest effect?

a) glomerulus
b) proximal tubule
c) thin portion of loop of Henle
d) thick portion of look of Henle
e) cortical collecting system

4 What is the clearance of a substance when its concentration in plasma is 1mg/ml, its
concentration in urine is 10mg/ml and the urine flow is 2ml/min?
a) 2ml/min
b) 10ml/min
c) 20ml/min
d) 200ml/min
e) clearance cannot be determined from the information given

5 Glucose reabsorption occurs in the:

a) proximal tubule
b) loop of Henle
c) distal tubule
d) cortical collecting system
e) medullary collecting system
 6 As urine flow increases during osmotic diuresis:
a) the osmolality of urine falls
b) the osmolality of urine increases
c) the osmolality of urine approaches that of plasma
d) the osmolality of urine is unchanged
e) the osmolality of urine depends primarily on other factors

7 Which of the following is NOT true regarding the voiding reflex?

a) it involves parasympathetic fibres
b) it remains intact in the period of spinal shock following transaction of the spinal
cord
c) it occurs when the bladder volume reaches 300-400mls
d) it is integrated in the sacral segments of the spinal cord
e) its threshold is altered by inhibitory fibres from the brainstem

8 Which of the following substances is NOT actively secreted in to the tubular lumen by
the proximal renal tubule?
a) urate
b) para-amino hippuric acid
c) catecholamines
d) sodium
e) creatinine

9 Angiotensin II causes:
a) greater constriction of efferent than afferent arterioles
b) greater construction of afferent than efferent arterioles
c) constriction of afferent arterioles only
d) constriction of efferent arterioles only
e) has no effect on arteriolar constriction

10 With regard to the effect of hormones on renal tubules, which is CORRECT?

a) aldosterone increases potassium reabsorption from the distal tubule
b) angiotensin II increases hydrogen ion secretion from the proximal tubules
c) ADH increases water reabsorption in the proximal tubule
d) atrial naturetic peptide decreases sodium reabsorption from the proximal tubules
e) parathyroid hormone increases phosphate reabsorption

11 With regard to tuboglomerular feedback:

a) the GFR increases when flow through the distal tubule increases
b) the macula densa on the afferent arteriole is the sensor
c) the afferent arteriole is constricted by thromboxane A2
d) it is designed to maintain sodium reabsorption
e) it does not operate in individual nephrons
12 The primary reason for the decreased medullary hypertonicity associated with
osmotic diuresis is:
a) an associated increased urine volume
b) the limiting concentration gradient for sodium reabsorption is reached
c) tubular fluid has an increased sodium concentration
d) the total amount of sodium reaching the loop of Henle is increased
e) the associated maximal vasopressin secretion

13 With respect to renal handling of glucose:

a) glucose is reabsorbed from within the distal tubule by co-transport
b) glucose is reabsorbed from within the proximal tubule by facilitated diffusion
c) glucose is always completely reabsorbed
d) movement of glucose from tubular epithelial cells is by passive diffusion
e) none of the above

14 Creatinine:
a) is synthesised in the liver from methionine, glycine and anganine
b) is converted directly to creatine
c) has variable excretion from day to day
d) creatinuria occurs normally in the elderly and in pregnant women
e) all of the above

15 The thin ascending loop of Henle is:

a) relatively permeable to water
b) relatively impermeable to sodium ion
c) permeable to both water and sodium ion
d) relatively impermeable to water
e) relatively impermeable to both water and sodium ion

16 The primary effect of angiotensin II on renal vasculature is:

a) constriction of efferent arterioles
b) enhanced prostaglandin mediated increased blood flow to the renal cortex
c) enhanced catecholamine mediated afferent arteriolar vasoconstriction
d) enhanced catecholamine mediated afferent vasodilatation
e) constriction of interlobular arteries

17 With respect to the counter current system:

a) the loops of Henle act as counter current exchanges
b) solutes diffuse out of vessels conducting blood towards the cortex
c) water diffuses out of ascending vessels
d) water diffuses into the collecting ducts
e) counter current exchange is passive and can operate even if counter current
multiplication ceases
18 What percentage of filtered sodium is reabsorbed by the kidney?
a) 1%
b) 93%
c) 99%
d) 50%
e) 100%

19 Tuboglomerular feedback refers to:

a) the process of increased sodium reabsorption associated with an increased
glomerular filtration
b) changes in peri-tubular oncotic pressure associated with changes in glomerular
filtration
c) decreased glomerular filtration associated with increased flow through the loop of
Henle
d) increased glomerular filtration associated with decreased peri-tubular oncotic
pressure
e) thromboxane A2 mediated increased sodium reabsorption associated with
increased renal blood flow

20 Frusemide acts mainly at:

a) proximal tubule
b) thin limb of loop of Henle
c) thick limb of loop of Henle
d) distal tubule
e) collecting duct

21 At which site does tubular fluid osmolality exceed that of plasma by the greatest
amount?
a) proximal tubule
b) thin limb of loop of Henle
c) thick limb of loop of Henle
d) distal tubule
e) collecting duct

22 At which site is sodium ion NOT actively reabsorbed?

a) proximal tubule
b) thin limb of loop of Henle
c) thick limb of loop of Henle
d) distal tubule
e) collecting duct
23 At which site(s) is potassium ion secreted?
a) distal tubule and collecting duct
b) proximal tubule and distal tubule
c) think limb of loop of Henle only
d) thin limb and thick limb of loop of Henle
e) none of the above

24 At which site does chlorthiazide act?

a) proximal tubule
b) thin limb of loop of Henle
c) thick limb of loop of Henle
d) distal tubule
e) collecting duct

25 The cortical portion of the collecting duct has the capacity to reabsorb approximately
10% of the filtered water. Which substance is most important in regulating this
effect?
a) angiotensin II
b) histamine
c) vasopressin
d) sodium
e) prostaglandins

26 With respect to GFR:

a) clearance of p-amino hippuric acid is used to determine GFR
b) inulin cannot be used to measure GFR
c) GFR is usually reduced in ureteric obstruction
d) filtration pressure changes with change in blood pressure
e) contraction of mesangial cells increases GFR

27 With respect to the loop of Henle:

a) the ascending limb is highly permeable to water
b) the descending limb is impermeable to water
c) the thick ascending limb co-transports sodium, potassium and chloride out of the
lumen
d) tubular fluid becomes concentrated as it passes through the ascending limb
e) the ascending limb removes approximately 15% of filtered water
28 Mesangial cells:
a) are specialised cells that are characterised by numerous pseudopodia
b) are made to contract by dopamine
c) are made to contract by angiotensin II
d) lie within the renal medulla
e) decrease the area for filtration when they relax

29 Regarding the proximal tubule, the following statements are true EXCEPT:
a) sodium is co-transported out of the tubule with glucose
b) sodium is actively transported into the intercellular spaces by Na-K-ATPase
c) the cells are characterised by a brush border and tight junctions
d) vasopressin increases the permeability to water by causing the rapid insertion of
water channels into the luminal membrane
e) water moves passively out of the tubule along osmotic gradients

30 Renal autoregulation of GFR helps prevent large fluctuations in GFR despite wide
variations in arterial blood pressure. With regard to autoregulation, which is TRUE?
a) the macula densa cells sense change in afferent arteriolar pressure
b) falling GFR results in a feedback to decrease efferent arteriolar pressure
c) falling GFR results in an increase in renin secretion from macula densa cells
d) decreased macula densa concentration of NaCl results in dilatation of afferent
arterioles
e) decreased GFR decreases NaCl reabsorption in the ascending loop of Henle

31 Aldosterone has its principle effect in the:

a) proximal convoluted tubule
b) descending loop of Henle
c) thick ascending loop of Henle
d) distal convoluted tubule
e) collecting ducts

32 85% of NaHCO3 in the filtrate is reabsorbed in the:

a) proximal convoluted tubule
b) descending loop of Henle
c) thick ascending loop of Henle
d) distal convoluted tubule
e) collecting ducts
33 Thiazide diuretics exert their main effect in the:
a) proximal convoluted tubule
b) descending loop of Henle
c) thick ascending loop of Henle
d) distal convoluted tubule
e) collecting ducts

34 Ethacrynic acid exerts its principle effect in the:

a) proximal convoluted tubule
b) descending loop of Henle
c) thick ascending loop of Henle
d) distal convoluted tubule
e) collecting ducts

35 When considering fluid balance, which of the following is INCORRECT?

a) the minimum daily fluid output may normally be estimated by measuring the urine
output and adding 500ml
b) urine output is always the single largest contributor to fluid output
c) fluid intake and output may be altered in response to a change in extracellular
osmolarity
d) fluid intake and output may be altered in response to a change in extracellular
volume
e) the hypothalamus is an important regulator of fluid intake

36 Which of the following does NOT stimulate erythropoietin secretion?

a) cobalt salts
b) thromboxanes
c) androgens
d) adenosine
e) prostaglandins

37 Glomerular filtration rate is best measured using:

a) inulin
b) glucose
c) PAH
d) urea
e) creatinine

38 “Renal dose” dopamine increases glomerular filtration rate by:

a) dilating the renal arteries
b) dilating the vasa recta
c) constricting the efferent arteriole
d) relaxing glomerular perivascular mesangial cells
e) all of the above
39 Regarding the kidney:
a) the glomerular filtration rate is 125mls/hr
b) the renal threshold for glucose 300mg/dL
c) glucose transport is an example of secondary active transport
d) the blood flow in the renal medulla is greater than in renal cortex
e) a high protein diet decreases renal blood flow

40 Which of the following substances is not excreted by the kidney in a normal adult on
an average diet?
a) K+
b) uric acid
c) creatinine
d) glucose
e) urea

41 Which of the following statements regarding erythropoietin is INCORRECT in an

adult?
a) half-life of about 5 hours
b) hypoxia can increase secretion within minutes
c) is secreted by spleen and salivary glands
d) is secreted in adequate amounts by liver in absence of kidneys
e) is a glycoprotein

42 “Renal dose” dopamine is:

a) 1-2 mcg/kg/min
b) 1-5 mcg/kg/min
c) 1-10 mcg/kg/min
d) 1-20 mcg/kg/min
e) greater than 20 mcg/kg/min

43 Frusemide acts as a diuretic primarily by:

a) inhibiting Na+/K+/Cl- co-transport in loop of Henle
b) inhibiting action of vasopressin on collecting duct
c) decreasing H+ secretion with resultant increase in Na+/K+ excretion
d) inhibiting vasopressin secretion
e) inhibiting Na+/K+ exchange in collecting ducts by inhibiting the action of
aldosterone

44 Regarding the osmolality of renal tubular fluid, is it?

a) hypotonic in loop of Henle
b) isotonic in proximal tubule
c) hypertonic in distal tubule
d) hypotonic in collecting duct
e) hypotonic in proximal tubule
45 Which of the following statements regarding renal tubular glucose absorption is
INCORRECT?
a) binds to SGLT-2 in luminal membrane
b) example of secondary active transport
c) transported out of luminal cell by GLUT-2
d) about 100% reabsorption in proximal tubule if less than transport maximum
e) linked to sodium reabsorption

46 Which of the following does NOT increase renal tubular sodium reabsorption?
a) cortisol
b) oestrogen
c) growth hormone
d) insulin
e) glucagon

47 Regarding renal handling of glucose, which is INCORRECT?

a) transport maximum varies depending on sex
b) proximal tubular absorption is an example of a symport mechanism
c) not all nephrons handle glucose filtration and reabsorption equally
d) phlorhizin inhibits distal tubular reabsorption
e) GLUT-2 transports glucose into interstitial fluid

48 Regarding renal handling of sodium, which is INCORRECT?

a) more than 95% of filtered sodium is reabsorbed
b) proximal tubular reabsorption is an example of secondary active transport
c) aldosterone increases reabsorption despite increasing GFR
d) glucocorticoids may increase or decrease urinary excretion
e) renal oxygen consumption is directly proportional to sodium reabsorption

49 Which of the following agents cause relaxation of mesangial cells of the glomerulus?
a) angiotensin II
b) dopamine
c) endothelins
d) vasopressin
e) noradrenaline

50 Regarding renal handling of bicarbonate ion, which is INCORRECT?

a) small size of bicarbonate ion affects reabsorption
b) reabsorption is reciprocally related to chloride ion reabsorption in proximal tubule
c) most reabsorption occurs in proximal tubule
d) reabsorption requires carbonic anhydrase
e) reabsorption is decreased by ECF expansion
51 Regarding renal handling of ammonia, which is INCORRECT?
a) ammonia is not filtered at the glomerulus
b) ammonia is synthesised in proximal and distal tubules
c) glutaminase plays a role in ammonia excretion
d) non-ionic diffusion of ammonia maintains a concentration gradient for further
diffusion
e) ammonia diffusion can increase up to 30 fold

52 Regarding renal handling of calcium, which is INCORRECT?

a) metabolic acidosis decreases reabsorption
b) growth hormone increases reabsorption
c) calcium is actively reabsorbed
d) about 60% of filtered calcium load is reabsorbed in proximal tubules
e) glucocorticoids increase calcium reabsorption

53 Regarding renal handling of chloride, which is INCORRECT?

a) about 25% of filtered load is actively reabsorbed in thick ascending limb
b) proximal tubular reabsorption is reciprocally related to bicarbonate reabsorption
c) it is actively secreted in distal tubule
d) two chloride per sodium are reabsorbed in thick ascending limb
e) chloride-hydroxide antiport are present in the kidney

54 Regarding glomerular filtration:

a) the glomerular filtration rate varies les than the renal plasma flow
b) inulin is stored in the kidney
c) sialoproteins in the glomerular capillary wall are positively charged
d) dopamine causes contraction of mesangial cells
e) changes in renal blood flow do not affect glomerular filtration rate

55 Regarding renal handling of phosphate, which is INCORRECT?

a) no tubular secretion occurs
b) most reabsorption occurs actively in proximal tubule
c) parathyroid hormone inhibits tubular reabsorption
d) less than 5% of filtered load is excreted
e) phosphate is a much more powerful buffer in tubular fluid than in blood

56 Regarding renal handling of hydrogen ion, which is INCORRECT?

a) acetazolamide decreases tubular secretion
b) aldosterone increases distal tubular secretion
c) much more acid secretion occurs in proximal than distal tubule
d) lowest tubular fluid pH achievable is 4.5
e) secondary active transport mechanism operates in distal tubule
57 In diabetes insipidis:
a) percentage of filtered water reabsorbed is increased compared to normal
b) there is a net gain of water in excess of solute (L/day)
c) urine volume (L/day) is decreased
d) urine concentration (msom/L) is markedly reduced
e) glomerular flow (ml/min) is increased

58 Which site of diuretic action is INCORRECT?

a) antidiuretic hormone antagonists act in collecting duct
b) loop agents act in thin ascending limb
c) carbonic anhydrase inhibitors act in proximal tubule
d) thiazides act in early distal tubule
e) aldosterone antagonists act in cortical collecting tubule

59 Which of the following statements regarding angiotensin is INCORRECT?

a) angiotensin II has a half-life of about 1-2 minutes
b) angiotensin I is physiologically inactive
c) angiotensin III has equivalent pressor activity to angiotensin II
d) angiotensinogen mainly comes from the liver
e) angiotensin converting enzyme is a dipeptidyl carboxypeptidase angiotensin
converting enzyme

60 Regarding renal tubular function:

a) Na+ is actively transported out of the thin portions of the loop of Henle
b) Na+-K+ ATPase pumps Na+ out of the renal tubule
c) Cl- is transported only by co-transport
d) glucose is reabsorbed mainly in the distal tubule
e) penicillin is not actively secreted into tubular fluid

61 Regarding the actions of angiotensin II, which is INCORRECT?

a) selective renal efferent arteriolar constriction
b) acts on CNS without crossing blood-brain barrier
c) contract mesangial cells
d) direct positive chronotropic action on heart
e) increases conversion of cholesterol to pregnenelone

62 Normal values for renal function include all of the following EXCEPT:
a) filtration fraction =0.2
b) 22% of cardiac output
c) GFR = 180 litres/day
d) RPF = 900 litres/day
e) Tm glucose = 450 mg/minute
63 Regarding renal handling of potassium, which is INCORRECT?
a) 10 to 15% of filtered load may be excreted in urine
b) two potassium per sodium are reabsorbed in thick ascending limb
c) excretion decreased in acidosis
d) distal tubular secretion is capable of “adaptation” depending on demand
e) aldosterone increases distal tubular secretion in exchange for sodium

64 Normal urinary values include all of the following EXCEPT:

a) albumin ≤ 150mg/day
b) pH = 4.5 to 8.0
c) volume = 0.5 to 2.4 litres/day
d) specific gravity = 1.010 to 1.035
e) osmolality = 3 to 1400 millismol/litres

65 Regarding the kidney:

a) prostaglandins decrease blood flow in renal cortex
b) acetylcholine produces renal vasoconstriction
c) angiotensin II causes constriction of efferent arterioles
d) angiotensin II causes constriction of afferent arterioles
e) glomerular capillary pressure normally is about 100mmHg

66 Glucose reabsorption is most marked in which segment of the glomerulus?

a) the proximal convoluted tubule
b) the distal convoluted tubule
c) the descending loop of Henle
d) the ascending loop of Henle
e) the collecting system

67 Why is NSAIDs use a relative contraindication in patients with chronic renal failure?
a) direct toxic effects on proximal tubule
b) direct toxic effects on collecting ducts
c) indirect toxic effects on loop of Henle
d) inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis which is an important regulator of renal blood
flow in arterioles
e) inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis which is an important regulator of renal blood
flow in main renal arteries

68 Characteristics of a substance suitable for measuring GFR do NOT include:

a) freely filtered
b) not toxic
c) no effect on filtration rate
d) not metabolised
e) of low molecular weight
69 Amino acid reabsorption is most marked in which segment of the glomerulus?
a) the proximal convoluted tubule
b) the distal convoluted tubule
c) the descending loop of Henle
d) the ascending loop of Henle
e) the collecting duct

70 Which of the following substances would NOT cause contraction of mesangial cells?
a) angiotensin II
b) dopamine
c) vasopressin
d) histamine
e) platelet activating factor

71 Chloride may be reabsorbed in the nephron by:

a) passive reabsorption
b) active co-transport with K+ and Na+
c) OH-/Cl- antiport
d) all of the above
e) none of the above

72 Which of these factors do NOT affect GFR?

a) renal blood flow
b) ureteral obstruction
c) dehydration
d) a neutral molecule measuring 4 manometer
e) angiotensin II effects on mesangial cells

73 The collecting duct is the main site of action for which of the following drugs?
a) ethanol
b) demeclocycline
c) thiazide diuretics
d) ethacrynic acid
e) caffeine

74 Which is NOT true of osmotic diuresis?

a) osmotic diuresis is due to the quantity of unreabsorbed solutes
b) decreased water reabsorption in proximal tubules and loops
c) reduced Na+ reabsorption as the limiting concentration gradient is exceeded
d) net loss of Na+ in urine
e) normal water reabsorption in proximal portion of tubules
75 Which of these is NOT a factor affecting acid secretion?
a) intracellular PCO2
b) carbonic anhydrase level
c) K+ concentration
d) aldosterone concentration
e) none of the above

76 Regarding the kidney:

a) glucose is reabsorbed mainly in distal tubule
b) normal GFR is 125ml/hour
c) glomeruli filter 180L fluid per day
d) Na+ is actively transported out of think loop of Henle
e) ethanol promotes vasopressin secretion

77 Regarding renal blood flow:

a) blood flow greatest to medulla
b) pressure in renal vein is about 20mmHg
c) angiotensin II constricts efferent arterioles
d) prostaglandins increase blood flow in cortex and medulla
e) renal blood flow = renal plasma flow x 1
haematocrit

78 Osmolality of tubular fluid:

a) isotonic in proximal tubule
b) isotonic in loop of Henle
c) hypertonic in ascending limb loop of Henle
d) hypotonic in collecting duct
e) hypotonic in proximal tubule

79 Regarding the kidney and urine formation:

a) specific gravity is measure of osmolality
b) thin ascending limb relatively impermeable to water
c) thin ascending limb relatively impermeable to Na+ Cl-
d) water diuresis begins about 1 hour after ingestion of a water load
e) high protein diet does not affect concentrating ability of kidney

80 Regarding tubular reabsorption in kidney:

a) glucose and amino acids passively reabsorbed
b) Cl- mainly actively reabsorbed
c) only passive reabsorption occurs in proximal tubule
d) urea is not passively reabsorbed
e) Na+ actively reabsorbed in most parts of tubule
81 In the presence of vasopressin, most filtered water is absorbed in the:
a) proximal tubule
b) loop of Henle
c) distal tubule
d) cortical collecting system
e) medullary collecting system

82 All of the following affect glomerular filtration, EXCEPT:

a) changes in renal flood flow
b) urethral obstruction
c) dehydration
d) oedema outside the renal capsule
e) glomerular capillary permeability

83 The thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle:

a) is impermeable to water
b) has maximal permeability to NaCl
c) is relatively permeable to water
d) is impermeable to NaCl
e) is a site where there is no active transport of sodium

84 In the normal bladder, micturition:

a) is initiated by the pelvic nerves
b) is co-ordinated in the lumbar portion of the spinal cord
c) is initiated at a volume of 600mls
d) is significantly affected by sympathetic nerves
e) is not facilitated at the level of the brain stem

85 All the following statements regarding the atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) are true
EXCEPT:
a) it causes natriuresis
b) it lowers blood pressure
c) circulating ANP has a short half-life
d) ANP has the greatest affinity for the ANPR-B receptor of the glomerulus
e) it is released when atrial muscle is stretched
Section 2

1 A 44 B
2 D 45 A
3 E 46 E
4 C 47 D
5 A 48 C
6 C 49 B
7 B 50 A
8 D 51 E
9 A 52 B
10 B 53 C
11 C 54 A
12 B 55 D
13 E 56 E
14 D 57 D
15 D 58 B
16 A 59 C
17 B 60 B
18 C 61 D
19 C 62 E
20 C 63 B
21 B 64 A
22 B 65 C
23 A 66 A
24 D 67 D
25 C 68 E
26 C 69 A
27 C 70 B
28 C 71 D
29 D 72 D
30 D 73 B
31 E 74 E
32 A 75 E
33 D 76 C
34 C 77 C
35 B 78 A
36 B 79 B
37 A 80 E
38 D 81 A
39 C 82 D
40 D 83 A
41 D 84 A
42 D 85 D
43 A
Section 3

1 Which part of the renal tubule is Na+ NOT actively transported out of?
a) proximal convoluted tubule
b) thin portions of the loop of Henle
c) thick ascending limb of loop of Henle
d) distal convoluted tubule
e) collecting duct

2 Where is the macula densa located?

a) afferent arteriole
b) efferent arteriole
c) proximal convoluted tubule
d) thick ascending limb of loop of Henle
e) distal convoluted tubule

3 What percentage of cardiac output goes to the kidneys at rest?

a) 10%
b) 15%
c) 25%
d) 35%
e) 45%

4 Which factor increases renal blood flow?

a) α1 adrenergic stimulation
b) α2 adrenergic stimulation
c) reduced systemic blood pressure
d) exercise
e) lying down

5 Angiotensin II:
a) constricts afferent arterioles only
b) constricts efferent arterioles only
c) constricts afferent and efferent arterioles
d) dilates afferent arterioles
e) dilates efferent arterioles
 6 Regarding nephrons permeability:
a) glomerular capillaries are 100 times more permeable than skeletal muscle
capillaries
b) anionic substances are more permeable than neutral substances
c) N (?normal) glomerular concentration of albumin is 0.2% of plasma concentration
d) neutral substances are freely filtered with diameters < 8nm
e) 100mg/d of protein is filtered at the glomerulus

7 Where does glucose reabsorption occur?

a) proximal convoluted tubule
b) thin descending limb of loop of Henle
c) thick ascending limb of loop of Henle
d) distal convoluted tubule
e) collecting duct

8 Vasopressin acts as the:

a) proximal convoluted tubule
b) loop of Henle
c) distal convoluted tubule
d) cortical portion of the collecting duct
e) medullary portion of the collecting duct

9 Regarding the bladder:

a) the external urethral sphincter is made up of smooth muscle cells
b) the internal urethral sphincter does not encircle the urethra
c) pelvic nerves (S2-S4) supply the external sphincter
d) when the bladder is stretched, tension is maintained
e) relaxation of the internal urethral sphincter assists micturition

10 Which substance relaxes mesangial cells?

a) angiotensin II
b) ADH
c) noradrenaline
d) thromboxane A2
e) ANP

11 Concerning the kidneys:

a) normal glomerular filtration rate is 250ml/minute
b) normal renal plasma flow is 125ml/minute
c) normal filtration fraction is 0.19
d) blood flow is normally higher in the medulla than the cortex
e) normal blood volume in the kidneys at any one time is 250ml
12 Regarding renal handling of substances:
a) urea is filtered, but not secreted
b) most sodium is resorbed in the loop of Henle
c) creatinine is not filtered, but is resorbed
d) potassium is filtered, but not secreted
e) chloride is secreted and resorbed

13 Which of the following is transported via active transport?

a) chloride
b) hydrogen
c) glucose
d) urea
e) bicarbonate

14 Concerning the respiratory exchange ration (R)

a) it falls during exercise
b) it falls in metabolic acidosis
c) the stomach has a positive R during secretion of acid
d) it rises after ingestion of alkali
e) at steady state, it equals the respiratory quotient

15 Regarding fat metabolism, all are true EXCEPT:

a) brown fat is characterised by a H+ short circuit protein in the mitochondria
b) heparin is a cofactor for lipoprotein lipase
c) ketone bodies accumulate in diabetic ketoacidosis due to reduced removal from
the circulation
d) the essential fatty acids are used to produce autocoids
e) there is no major pathway for converting fat to carbohydrate

16 Triiodothyronine:
a) is less potent than thyroxine
b) deficiency causes yellow skin due to keratin buildup
c) acts via a tyrosine kinase predominantly
d) causes an increase in Na+/K+ ATPase activity
e) in both, deficiency but no excess leads to muscle weakness

17 Mesangial cells:
a) have a role in the control of GFR
b) are similar to other endothelial cells in the vascular tree
c) are responsible for tubuloglomerular balance
d) contract in response to dopamine
e) relax in response to vasopressin
18 With regard to water excretion:
a) 280 l is filtered per day
b) it is impossible to excrete more than 23 l/day
c) most regulation is via manipulation of the gradients along the loop of Henle
d) vasopressin acts to insert water channels into the basolateral cell membrane of
the collecting ducts
e) water reabsorption in the collecting ducts can alter by a factor of 2.5 dependent
on the presence of vasopressin

19 All of the following are transported across renal tubular cell membranes by secondary
active transport, using the energy of the active transport of Na+, EXCEPT:
a) glucose
b) lactate
c) citrate
d) H+
e) K+

20 Regarding the control of GFR:

a) increasing ANP causes contraction of mesangial cells
b) glomerular cap are less permeable than skeletal
c) oedema of kidney causes increase in renal intent po????
d) efferent arterioles have low reninlard
e) hypoproteinaemia increases GFR

21 Regarding osmotic diuresis:

a) is secondary to decreased ADH
b) results in hypertonic urine
c) increased water reabsorption in PCT
d) may be seen in patients with diabetes ketoacidosis
e) may be seen in patients with diabetes insipidis

22 Effective renal plasma flow is best measured using:

a) inulin
b) glucose
c) PAH
d) urea
e) creatinine
 For questions 23 – 26

Substance X is freely filtered by the glomerulus and is not reabsorbed, nor

secreted nor metabolised.

If - serum x concentration = 0.020 mg/ml

renal artery x concentration = 0.020 mg/ml
renal vein x concentration = 0.002 mg/ml
urine x concentration = 14 mg/ml
urine flow = 54 ml/hr
lymphatic x concentration = 0.00001 mg/ml
haematocrit = 0.45

23 Then the CLEARANCE of X is:

a) 10.5 ml/min
b) 630 ml/min
c) 10.5 mg/min
d) 630 mg/min
e) 60 ml/min

24 Renal plasma flow is:

a) 10.5 ml/min
b) 630 ml/min
c) 700 ml/min
d) 11.7 ml/min
e) 21.2 ml/min

25 Renal blood flow is:

a) 10.5 ml/min
b) 21.2 ml/min
c) 11.7 ml/min
d) 700 ml/min
e) 1273 ml/min

26 The GFR is:

a) 10.5 ml/min
b) 700 ml/min
c) 11.7 ml/min
d) 630 ml/min
e) 778 ml/min
Section 3

1 B
2 D
3 C
4 E
5 C
6 C
7 A
8 D
9 B
10 E
11 C
12 A
13 B
14 E
15 D
16 E
17 A
18 E
19 E
20 C
21 D
22 C
23 B
24 C
25 E
26 D