Cilia · Histology

Which of the following is a key functional role of primary (9+0) cilia in the kidney tubules?

  1. Propelling urine through the nephron
  2. Secreting erythropoietin into the blood
  3. Filtering blood to form primary urine
  4. Acting as mechanosensors for fluid flow
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Correct answer: Acting as mechanosensors for fluid flow

Primary cilia in the renal tubules bend in response to the flow of filtrate. This mechanical bending triggers calcium signaling pathways that regulate cell proliferation and kidney function; defects in these cilia are linked to polycystic kidney disease.

Difficulty: Medium Question 12 of 20

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