Chapter 31 (Kidney) Flashcards
What does the urinary system consist of
- 2 Kidneys (blood is supplied to kidney via renal artery + leaves via renal vein)
- Bladder
- Ureter
- Urethra
Function of the kidneys
Responsible for filtering the blood to remove waste and toxic materials (excretory organ) , maintaining water potential of the blood. (osmoregulatory organ)
Function of urethra
passes urine from the bladder to the exterior of the body
Function of ureter
Passes urine from the kidney (pelvis) to the bladder
Sections of the kidney
Cortex
Medulla
Renal Pelvis
Structure & function of cortex
- Outer Region (contains many Bowman’s capsule + glomeruli)
- Site of ultrafiltration.
- EPO (cytokine) is made here
Structure & function of Medulla
- Inner Region
- Consists of renal pyramids
Structure & function of Renal Pelvis
- Central region
- collects urine from collecting ducts that converge into ureter
Causes of acute kidney failure
- Bacterial infections
- Kidney stones (or blockage within kidney)
- Medication side effects
Definition of acute kidney failure
Sudden onset, short duration.
Can usually be reversed once treated
Definition of chronic kidney failure
Slow onset, long duration.
Usually results in permanent damage if not diagnosed at early stage. (often Irreversible)
Causes of chronic kidney failure
- Hypertension - Damages epithelial cells of endothelium + basement membrane of Bowman’s capsule.
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Genetic conditions eg, polycystic kidney disease
Warning signs of kidney disease
Blood in urine
Reduction in urine volume
Cloudy urine
Oedema ( swelling due to accumulation of tissue fluid) in hands, feet + areas around eyes.
Diagnosis of kidney failure
- Proteins in urine
- Erythrocytes in urine
- Leucocytes in urine
- High creatine levels in blood. ( a waste substance normally filtered from blood ). Higher levels = worse kidney damage
- Structural abnormalities identifies using CT/ ultrasound scans.
Consequences of kidney failure
–> Raised ion conc in plasma.
–> Build up of toxic urea in blood - Cell death
–> Hypertension, as water balance of blood is not regulated. Higher production of renin as response to low blood pressure in glomerulus.
–> Anaemia due to reduced EPO production (can be treated with RhEPO)
–> Loss of electrolyte balance ( accumulation of K+, Na +, Cl- ions alters osmotic balance of plasma, resulting in tissue and organ death.
–> weakened bones as calcium and phosphorus balance in blood is lost.
Transplants in the future
Use of patient’s own Pluripotent Stem Cells to ‘grow’ a kidney by Inducing them to produce kidney cells (iPSCs)
- Can produce organs with no antigens, so remove need for immunosuppressants
- embryonic stem cells also used to clone organs
Advantages of haemodialysis
- Medical professionals are present so lower risk of infection.
- daily dialysis not required
Disadvantages of haemodialysis
- Diet restrictions
- long periods of hospitalisation ( 3 times a week for several hours)
- Patients must travel to interrupts daily life.
Advantages of peritoneal dialysis
- Carried out at home
- Diet is less restricted
- No specialist equipment needed
- Patient remains mobile during treatment so daily life is less interrupted
Disadvantages of peritoneal dialysis
- Self-administered procedure -> higher risk of infection
- Requires daily dialysis
Advantages of dialysis
- No waiting list or time delay
- keeps patient alive until donor organ found
Disadvantages of dialysis
- not long term
- requires hospital visits
- Dietary restrictions required
Advantages of transplants
- Can prolong life significantly
- No dietary restrictions
- Over life duration, its has lower cost
- Free from lifestyle restrictions imposed by regular dialysis.
Disadvantages of transplants
- Risks with surgery
- High risk of post- surgical infection
- Immunosuppressants taken for life
- Shortage of donors
- Usually repeated after 10 years