2 - RENAL FUNCTION - LEC Flashcards
Each kidney contains approximately 1 to 1.5 million functional units called
nephrons
the human kidney contains two types of nephrons namely:
Cortical nephrons
Juxtamedullary nephrons
Make up approximately 85% of nephrons, are situated primarily in the cortex of the kidney. They are responsible primarily for removal of waste products and reabsorption of nutrients.
[type of nephron]
Cortical nephrons
Have longer loops of Henle that extend deep into the medulla of the kidney. Their primary function is concentration of the urine.
[type of nephron]
Juxtamedullary nephrons
The ability of the kidneys to clear waste products selectively from the blood and simultaneously to maintain the body’s essential water and electrolyte balances is controlled in the nephron by the following renal functions
- Renal blood flow
- Glomerular filtration
- Tubular reabsorption
- Tubular secretion
The human kidneys receive approximately [percent of blood] of the blood pumped through the heart at all times.
25%
Blood enters the capillaries of the nephron through the ______________ It then flows through the ______________ and into the ____________
afferent arteriole
glomerulus
efferent arteriole
help create the hydrostatic pressure differential that is important for glomerular filtration and to maintain consistency of glomerular capillary pressure and renal blood flow within the glomerulus
varying sizes of the arterioles found in the kidney
Which of the two arterioles are smaller in size
efferent arteriole
After leaving the efferent arteriole, which structures does blood enter before returning to the renal vein?
The peritubular capillaries and the vasa recta.
What is the total renal blood flow in an average adult with a body surface area of 1.73 m²?
Approximately 1200 mL/min
What is the normal range for total renal plasma flow in an average adult?
600 to 700 mL/min
Why must corrections be made when measuring renal function in individuals with body sizes significantly different from the average of 1.73 m²?
To determine whether the observed measurements represent normal function.
What should be considered when evaluating renal function studies in different age groups?
Variations in normal values for renal blood flow and renal function tests.
What is the standard body surface area used in renal calculations?
1.73 m²
Which test is related to this correction for body size in renal studies?
GFR (Glomerular Filtration Rate)
What should be considered when evaluating renal function in different age groups?
Variations in normal values.
What does the glomerulus consist of?
A coil of approximately eight capillary lobes.
Where is the glomerulus located?
Bowman capsule
What is the molecular weight cutoff for substances filtered by the glomerulus
Less than 70,000
Is the glomerulus a selective or nonselective filter?
Nonselective filter.
What are the factors influencing glomerular filtration?
Capillary and Bowman capsule structure
Hydrostatic pressure
Oncotic pressure
RAAS feedback mechanisms
What does RAAS stand for?
Renin–Angiotensin–Aldosterone System.
The walls of the glomerulus are referred to as the
glomerular filtration barrier
It is the beginning of the renal tubule
Bowman capsule
How many layers must plasma filtrate pass through in the glomerular filtration barrier?
Three layers.
What are the three layers of the glomerular filtration barrier?
Capillary wall membrane
Basement membrane (basal lamina)
Visceral epithelium of the Bowman capsule
What is the unique feature of the capillary wall in the glomerulus?
It contains pores, making it a fenestrated endothelium.
What is the function of the pores in the capillary wall of the glomerulus?
They increase permeability but do not allow large molecules or blood cells to pass.
Where does further restriction of large molecules occur after passing the capillary wall?
The basement membrane and filtration slits formed by podocytes
What forms the filtration slits in the glomerular filtration barrier?
The intertwining foot processes of podocytes.
A barrier that repels negatively charged molecules, even if they are small enough to pass.
shield of negativity
Which protein that is primarily associated with renal disease does the shield of negativity specifically repel
Albumin
Where are podocytes found
Inner layer of the bowman capsule
What happens if there were no shield of negativity
Positive readings for protein and albumin
What enhances filtration in the glomerulus?
Hydrostatic pressure.
What causes hydrostatic pressure in the glomerulus?
Smaller efferent arteriole and glomerular capillaries.
What pressures oppose hydrostatic pressure in the glomerulus?
Bowman capsule fluid and oncotic pressure.
What maintains constant glomerular blood pressure?
Autoregulatory mechanism.
What structure is responsible for this autoregulation?
Juxtaglomerular apparatus.
What happens to the afferent and efferent arterioles when blood pressure drops?
Afferent dilates, efferent constricts
Why do arterioles adjust during low blood pressure?
To maintain kidney blood flow and prevent toxic waste buildup.
What happens to the afferent arteriole when blood pressure rises?
Afferent constricts
Why does the afferent arteriole constrict during high blood pressure?
To prevent over-filtration and glomerular damage.