Manitoba Nephrology Nurse Practice Test

Which unique structural feature is found in the kidneys?

1. Joined capillaries with two veins

2. Presence of only one capillary bed

3. Joined capillaries with two arteries

4. Absence of capillaries

The correct answer is: Joined capillaries with two arteries

The unique structural feature found in the kidneys is the presence of joined capillaries with two arteries, which refers to the arrangement of the renal circulation. Specifically, the kidneys have a specialized system of blood vessels that includes a unique arrangement where the afferent arterioles deliver blood to the glomeruli, where filtration takes place, and then the efferent arterioles carry the filtered blood away. This arrangement allows for efficient regulation of glomerular filtration pressure. In addition, the kidneys utilize a specialized network of capillaries, the peritubular capillaries, surrounding the nephron. This network plays a critical role in reabsorption and secretion processes, which are essential for maintaining fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance in the body. The configuration of having two arteries ensures that the tissue receives adequate blood supply, which is crucial for their function in filtration and urine formation. This unique vascular architecture underlines the kidneys' role in homeostasis and highlights their complexities compared to other organs that may only have a single capillary bed or different vascular arrangements.