Outline the functions of the kidney.
Outline type questions require a comprehensive list and a brief explanation of each major
function of the kidney. This should have included water balance, electrolyte balance,
endocrine function, filtration, metabolism, acid-base balance, excretion and blood pressure
control.
Adequate breadth was lacking in many answers. Marks were awarded for discussion of
water reabsorption at specific points along the length of the nephron and the control
mechanism through Aquaporins and ADH. It was expected answers would include calcium,
magnesium, glucose and amino acid handling by the kidney (as well as sodium and
potassium). Better answers discussed the elimination of fixed as well as volatile acids and
outlined the role of ammonia. Discussion of the endocrine functions would include EPO,
1,25 dihydroxy-cholecalciferol, prostaglandin E, renin, angiotensin II and kallekrein.
Superficial responses such as, “the kidney is important in regulating volume” (or “waste” or
“water” or “sodium”) were not sufficient.
This is a ridiculous "briefly outline a massive complex thing" sort of question which mainly challenges the candidates' ability to quickly write coherent-looking motherhood statements without really testing their knowledge.
Functions of the kidney include: