Introduction to the kidney and renal function Flashcards
What are two functions of the urinary system
excretion: removal of organic waste products from body fluids
elimination: the discharge of waste products into the environment
Outline essential renal functions
.excretion of endogenous waste products .excretion of drugs and their metabolites .water and electrolyte balance .acid-base balance .production of hormones
What are the two types of kidney failure
acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD)
Where are the kidneys located
On the posterior abdominal wall, behind the peritoneum and on either side of the vertebral column
What are the two types of the nephron
cortical nephron: 80% of all nephrons in human kidneys, a short loop of Henle.
juxtamedullary nephrons: 20% of all nephrons in human kidneys, situated closer to the medulla with a long loop of Henle.
Outline arterial blood flow to the kidneys
Renal artery—>segmental—>interlobar—>arcuate—>interlobular—>afferent—->glomerulus—>efferent—->peritubular capillaries—>venules
Outline venous blood flow to the kidneys
venules—->interlobular—>arcuate—->interlobar—-renal vein
Outline the nervous supply to the kidneys
sympathetic: postganglionic fibres from the sympathetic chain and fibres from coeliac ganglion
supplies arteries and reduces blood supply to the kidney.
parasympathetic: efferent supply from the vagus nerve- ganglion in hilum… may control efferent arterioles and may modify GFR and RBF.
What are 3 major functions of the nephron
filtration of blood to produce filtrate
reabsorption of water, ions and organic nutrients
secretion of waste products into tubular fluid.
this can occur transcellular or paracellularly, through and between cells respectively.
What molecules are filtered through the glomerulus
electrolytes, AA, Glucose, Metabolic waste, some drugs
What molecules aren’t filtered through the glomerulus
Cells and large molecules: RBC, lipids, proteins and most drugs.
