[30] Biochemistry of the Renal System Flashcards
What are the primary functions of the renal system?
- Filtration of blood
- Reabsorption of necessary substances
- Secretion of waste products into the urine
What are the two main components of the renal system?
- Kidneys
- Urinary tract
What is the basic functional unit of the kidney?
Nephron
What are the main parts of a nephron?
- Bowman’s capsule
- Proximal tubule
- Loop of Henle
- Distal tubule
- Collecting duct
What occurs in the Bowman’s capsule?
Filtration of the blood.
What occurs in the proximal tubule?
Reabsorption of glucose, amino acids, and important ions.
What is the role of the Loop of Henle?
Concentration of urine by reabsorption of water and ions.
What occurs in the distal tubule?
Further reabsorption and secretion to adjust the composition of urine.
What is the role of the collecting duct in the renal system?
It fine-tunes the reabsorption of water and ions, leading to the final urine composition.
What is glomerular filtration rate (GFR)?
The volume of fluid filtered from the renal (kidney) glomerular capillaries into the Bowman’s capsule per unit time.
What is the role of the hormone aldosterone in the renal system?
It regulates the reabsorption of sodium ions and secretion of potassium ions in the distal tubule and collecting duct.
What is the role of the hormone antidiuretic hormone (ADH) or vasopressin in the renal system?
It promotes reabsorption of water in the collecting duct.
What are some waste products excreted by the kidneys?
- Urea
- Creatinine
- Uric acid
- Drugs and toxins
What is renal plasma clearance?
The volume of plasma from which a substance is completely removed per unit time by the kidneys.
What is the importance of maintaining blood pH in the renal system?
It’s vital for the functioning of various enzymes and biochemical reactions in the body.
