Kidney Function Flashcards
1
Q
What are nephrons and what three things do they do?
A
Nephrons are the filtration units in the kidneys, and they do this by ultrafiltration, reabsorption and release of wastes.
2
Q
What is ultrafiltration?
A
A high pressure is built up which squeezes water, urea, ions and sugar out of the capsules and into the Bowman’s capsule. The membranes act like filters so big molecules like proteins and blood cells are not squeezed out so stay in the blood.
3
Q
What is reabsorption?
A
Useful substances are resorbed back into the blood:
1) all sugar (active transport)
2) sufficient ions (active transport)
3) sufficient water
4
Q
What is release of wastes?
A
The remaining substances such as urea continue out of the nephron, into the ureter and down to the bladder as urine.
