Want to test your physiology knowledge before the CDN exam? Below are free sample flashcards from the 80-card physiology section of our 1050-card CDN (Certified Dialysis Nurse) deck, which covers JGA, Juxtaglomerular Apparatus, Vasa Recta, ATN and more.
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Identify the three layers of the glomerular filtration barrier and the specific property that prevents albumin from passing into Bowman's space in a healthy nephron.
Show answer →The three layers are: 1. Fenestrated endothelium, 2. Glomerular Basement Membrane (GBM), and 3. Podocyte slit diaphragms. Albumin is prevented from filtering due to size exclusion and, crucially, negative charge repulsion. The GBM and podocyte coat are rich in polyanionic glycoproteins (like heparan sulfate). Exam Strategy: NNCC often tests why albuminuria occurs; it is usually due to the loss of this negative charge or podocyte effacement (flattening). Remember: Charge and Size are the dual gatekeepers.
A patient experiences a drop in distal tubule NaCl delivery. Which specific cells in the Juxtaglomerular Apparatus (JGA) sense this change, and what is the immediate cellular response?
Show answer →The Macula Densa cells in the distal convoluted tubule sense the decrease in NaCl. They signal the Granular Cells (Juxtaglomerular cells) in the afferent arteriole to release Renin. This triggers the RAAS cascade to restore blood pressure and GFR. Exam Strategy: Distinguish between the sensor (Macula Densa) and the secretor (Granular cells). This feedback loop is known as Tubuloglomerular Feedback (TGF), a key concept for CDN candidates understanding renal autoregulation.
Which specific segment of the nephron is responsible for reabsorbing 100% of filtered glucose and amino acids, and what is the required primary driving force?
Show answer →The Proximal Convoluted Tubule (PCT) is responsible. The primary driving force is the Na+/K+ ATPase pump on the basolateral membrane. This creates a low intracellular sodium concentration, allowing secondary active transport of glucose via SGLT1/2 transporters on the apical membrane. Exam Strategy: The PCT is the most metabolically active segment and contains the brush border (microvilli) to maximize surface area. It is the most common site of injury in Ischemic Acute Tubular Necrosis (ATN).
Explain the role of the Vasa Recta in the countercurrent mechanism and why its blood flow must remain slow to maintain renal function.
Show answer →The Vasa Recta acts as a countercurrent exchanger. Its hairpin loop structure allows it to provide oxygen and nutrients to the medulla without washing out the high osmotic gradient (NaCl and Urea) established by the Loop of Henle. Exam Strategy: If medullary blood flow increases too much, the osmotic gradient is lost, and the kidney cannot concentrate urine. This is a high-yield concept for understanding why the kidney is sensitive to both hypotension and certain medications.
Why is the renal medulla significantly more susceptible to ischemic injury (ATN) than the renal cortex, despite the kidneys receiving 20% of total cardiac output?
Show answer →The renal cortex receives ~90% of renal blood flow, whereas the medulla receives only ~10%. To maintain the osmotic gradient, the medulla operates at a naturally low oxygen tension (PO2 10-20 mmHg). This borderline hypoxia means any further decrease in perfusion (e.g., sepsis, dehydration) quickly starves the high-energy-demand cells in the Thick Ascending Limb (TAL). Exam Strategy: Always associate medulla with low oxygen and high metabolic work.
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Try 30 free CDN cards firstThe full CDN deck contains 1050 flashcards, and 80 of them focus on physiology. This page shows 5 free samples.
Our CDN deck dedicates 80 of 1050 cards (8%) to physiology — always cross-check the official NNCC exam outline for the current blueprint weighting.
Yes — the samples on this page are free, and the CDN preview page has 30 more free cards. Full access to all 1050 cards is a one-time $7.
Assessment
41 cards
Basics
100 cards
Diagnostics
50 cards
Management
284 cards
Pathology
250 cards
Pharmacology
110 cards
Procedures
130 cards
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