Lecture 24

Question 1

What are some of the main symptoms of chronic kidney disease?

Answer 1

• Dehydration and thirst
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Acid-base disturbances
• Anorexia/nausea
• Anaemia

Question 2

Describe the process of haemodialysis

Answer 2

An artificial kidney in a clinic

Question 3

Describe the process of peritoneal dialysis

Answer 3

The peritonal space is delimited by the peritoneum (serous membrane)which surrounds the internal organs 
(visceral peritoneum) and the abdominal wall (parietal peritoneum
Dialysis fluid (2-3 L) is introduced into the abdomen over 10-15 min. The fluid remains in the cavity and waste products diffuse across the peritoneum from the underlying blood vessels. After 4-6 h, the fluid is removed and replaced with fresh fluid (several cycles are needed and duration is variable).

Question 4

What establishes the vertical medullary osmotic gradient?

Answer 4

The juxtamedullary nephrons’ long loops of Henle

At first a 200mosm/litre gradient begins

Question 5

What is the function of vasopressin?

Answer 5

Increases urine concentration. It induces the relocation of water channels (aquaporins) to the apical membrane of the tubular cells allowing water to leak in the cell and the intersticial fluid in order to re-establish isotonicity

Question 6

How do reflex controls determine when we urinate?

Answer 6

When the bladder stretches

Question 7

How do reflex controls determine when we urinate?

Answer 7

When the bladder stretches the bladder contracts and either internal urethra sphincter open or external sphincter do