Functions of the Kidney Flashcards
When a substance has entered the nephron but needs to be saved from becoming urine the body performs which function?
Reabsorption
When starvation of the body occurs, what function can the kidney perform to combat this problem?
Gluconeogenesis, making of glucose
How do the kidneys regulate blood pressure?
Long term control of blood pressure, by managing fluid and electrolyte intake and output
What causes micturation of the bladder?
A spinal cord reflex involving bladder wall smooth muscle
How are we able to control urination?
The external sphincter is made up of skeletal muscle
What is the purpose of having a salty medulla?
It is an energy efficient mechanism for reabsorbing water
The transport of a substance into the lumen of the renal tubule from the tubular cells, interstitium or peritubular capillaries?
Secretion
What determines the name of the nephron?
It is distinguished by tubule location
What type of nephron do we have more of?
Cortical nephrons
Where is the primary site of reabsorption into the blood in the kidneys?
Peritubular capillaries
What is the significance of the renal capillary beds arranged into a series?
Pressure in either of these capillary beds will affect fluid filtration
Other than food and drink, how else does the body receive water input?
Synthesized-end product of metabolism (metabolism makes water and CO2)
Why does the plasma have a greater ion concentration than the ISF?
Donnan effect, more ions bound to protein
What two molecules act as an important ISF buffer to H+ ions?
Phosphate
Protein
Measurement of which ion is a reliable indicator of plasma osmolality?
Sodium
