Lecture 31: Urine composition, functions of the kidney, and basic nephron processes Flashcards
How much normal urine is produced a day?
1.5 L/day
What % of urine is water?
95% - 98%
What is excreted in normal urine?
5
- Urea/uric acid
- H+/NH3 (hydronium ions/ammonia)
- Potassium/sodium
- Drugs
- Toxins
What is found in pathological urine?
6
- Glucose
- Protein
- Blood
- Haemoglobin
- Leucocytes
- Bacteria
How should normal urine look?
Clear, light or dark amber
How should normal urine taste?
Acidic (pH 5-6)
How should normal urine not taste?
Sweet
What is the pH of our urine dependent on?
Diet
What can the pH of vegetarians urine be up to?
7.2
What is the pH of meat eaters (high protein)?
4.8
what is the smell of normal urine?
Unremarkable
What does pathological urine look like?
golden, red, brown or blue
What does pathological urine taste like?
Sweet
What does pathological urine smell like?
Fruits or rotten
What are low oxygen levels detected by?
The kidneys
What does the kidney release?
Erythropoietin (EPO)
What does EPO do?
Stimulates the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells
What can chronic renal failure lead to?
Anaemia
What does anaemia lead to?
Low levels of red blood cells/haemoglobin
What does low levels of red blood cells/haemoglobin lead to?
Low blood oxygen levels
What can happen to substances in the kidneys?
They can be metabolised
What is meant by the kidneys being able to preform gluconeogenesis?
They can produce glucose in a fasted state
What is potassium ion concentration important for?
Many processes
What is the resting membrane potential of all cells based on?
The potassium gradient (inside/outside) of cells
How much potassium is in a banana?
0.5g
How much potassium is needed dietarily daily?
5g