2026 BIOD 102 Module 4 Exam Portage Learning Questions
and Answers 2026
Part 1: The Renal System & Nephron (1-15)
1. Which structure in the nephron is responsible for the filtration of blood based on
size and charge?
• A) Loop of Henle
• B) Glomerulus
• C) Collecting Duct
• D) Peritubular capillaries
• Rationale: The glomerulus acts as a high-pressure sieve, allowing water and
small solutes into the tubule while keeping large proteins and cells in the blood.
2. What is the name of the "cup-shaped" structure that surrounds the glomerulus?
• A) Renal pelvis
• B) Bowman’s Capsule
• C) Calyx
• D) Ureter
• Rationale: This capsule collects the filtrate as it is pushed out of the glomerular
capillaries.
3. Most of the glucose and amino acids are reabsorbed in which part of the
nephron?
• A) Distal Convoluted Tubule
• B) Proximal Convoluted Tubule (PCT)
• C) Ascending Loop of Henle
• D) Descending Loop of Henle
, • Rationale: The PCT is lined with microvilli to maximize surface area for the
reabsorption of nearly 100% of organic nutrients.
4. The Descending Loop of Henle is primarily permeable to:
• A) Sodium
• B) Water
• C) Glucose
• D) Urea
• Rationale: Water leaves the descending limb via osmosis as the tubule moves
deeper into the salty renal medulla.
5. The Ascending Loop of Henle is unique because it is:
• A) Permeable to water
• B) Impermeable to water but actively pumps out salt (NaCl)
• C) Made of transitional epithelium
• D) Where filtration occurs
• Rationale: By pumping out salt without water following, the ascending limb
creates the osmotic gradient needed to concentrate urine.
6. What hormone specifically targets the Distal Convoluted Tubule (DCT) to
increase sodium reabsorption?
• A) ADH
• B) Aldosterone
• C) Glucagon
• D) Calcitonin
• Rationale: Aldosterone (the "salt-retaining hormone") inserts sodium pumps into
the DCT and collecting duct.
7. If the body is dehydrated, the pituitary gland releases __________ to make the
collecting duct permeable to water.
, • A) Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)
• B) Insulin
• C) Oxytocin
• D) Renin
• Rationale: ADH causes the insertion of aquaporins, allowing water to be
reclaimed from the urine back into the blood.
8. The "Juxtaglomerular Apparatus" (JGA) is responsible for:
• A) Digesting proteins
• B) Monitoring blood pressure and filtrate concentration
• C) Producing red blood cells
• D) Excreting potassium
• Rationale: The JGA detects low blood pressure or low sodium and triggers the
release of Renin.
9. Which vessel carries blood away from the glomerulus?
• A) Afferent arteriole
• B) Efferent arteriole
• C) Renal vein
• D) Vena cava
• Rationale: Afferent (Arrives), Efferent (Exits). The efferent arteriole is narrower,
creating the back-pressure needed for filtration.
10. Podocytes are specialized cells found in the:
• A) Visceral layer of Bowman's Capsule
• B) Liver
• C) Heart
• D) Brain
and Answers 2026
Part 1: The Renal System & Nephron (1-15)
1. Which structure in the nephron is responsible for the filtration of blood based on
size and charge?
• A) Loop of Henle
• B) Glomerulus
• C) Collecting Duct
• D) Peritubular capillaries
• Rationale: The glomerulus acts as a high-pressure sieve, allowing water and
small solutes into the tubule while keeping large proteins and cells in the blood.
2. What is the name of the "cup-shaped" structure that surrounds the glomerulus?
• A) Renal pelvis
• B) Bowman’s Capsule
• C) Calyx
• D) Ureter
• Rationale: This capsule collects the filtrate as it is pushed out of the glomerular
capillaries.
3. Most of the glucose and amino acids are reabsorbed in which part of the
nephron?
• A) Distal Convoluted Tubule
• B) Proximal Convoluted Tubule (PCT)
• C) Ascending Loop of Henle
• D) Descending Loop of Henle
, • Rationale: The PCT is lined with microvilli to maximize surface area for the
reabsorption of nearly 100% of organic nutrients.
4. The Descending Loop of Henle is primarily permeable to:
• A) Sodium
• B) Water
• C) Glucose
• D) Urea
• Rationale: Water leaves the descending limb via osmosis as the tubule moves
deeper into the salty renal medulla.
5. The Ascending Loop of Henle is unique because it is:
• A) Permeable to water
• B) Impermeable to water but actively pumps out salt (NaCl)
• C) Made of transitional epithelium
• D) Where filtration occurs
• Rationale: By pumping out salt without water following, the ascending limb
creates the osmotic gradient needed to concentrate urine.
6. What hormone specifically targets the Distal Convoluted Tubule (DCT) to
increase sodium reabsorption?
• A) ADH
• B) Aldosterone
• C) Glucagon
• D) Calcitonin
• Rationale: Aldosterone (the "salt-retaining hormone") inserts sodium pumps into
the DCT and collecting duct.
7. If the body is dehydrated, the pituitary gland releases __________ to make the
collecting duct permeable to water.
, • A) Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)
• B) Insulin
• C) Oxytocin
• D) Renin
• Rationale: ADH causes the insertion of aquaporins, allowing water to be
reclaimed from the urine back into the blood.
8. The "Juxtaglomerular Apparatus" (JGA) is responsible for:
• A) Digesting proteins
• B) Monitoring blood pressure and filtrate concentration
• C) Producing red blood cells
• D) Excreting potassium
• Rationale: The JGA detects low blood pressure or low sodium and triggers the
release of Renin.
9. Which vessel carries blood away from the glomerulus?
• A) Afferent arteriole
• B) Efferent arteriole
• C) Renal vein
• D) Vena cava
• Rationale: Afferent (Arrives), Efferent (Exits). The efferent arteriole is narrower,
creating the back-pressure needed for filtration.
10. Podocytes are specialized cells found in the:
• A) Visceral layer of Bowman's Capsule
• B) Liver
• C) Heart
• D) Brain
