Overview- Renal Dz Flashcards
Where are the kidneys located?
retroperitoneal space, laterally on either side of the vertebral column
3 parts of the kidney
cortex
medulla
pelvis
What is the primary functional unit of the kidney?
nephron
Name and define the 2 parts of the nephron
- Glomerulus- filter toxins and other molecules from the circulatory system in order for them to be excreted from the body; located mainly in the renal cortex
- Tubule- absorb and secrete various electrolytes and water resulting in final concentration (specific gravity) and components of the urine
What is the kidney’s primary function?
to filter numerous molecules from circulation
ie. urea, various electrolytes like Na, K, Cl, metabolites from different drugs, and other toxins
Through filtration and hormone production, the kidneys help _________________________ which in turn _______________.
- maintain water and electrolyte balance
- helps maintain acid-base balance and systemic blood pressure
What participates in maintaining proper kidney function?
renal blood flow
What are 2 reasons why renal blood flow to the kidneys is important?
- blood gets filtered in the glomeruli
2. it provides blood to supply nutrition and energy to the kidney’s cells
What happens to the kidney if systemic blood pressure or blood flow to the kidney are altered?
decreased renal function
What are 2 things that happen with a decline in renal function?
- Kidneys lose ability to filter blood
2. kidneys can’t concentrate urine
What happens when the kidneys loos their ability to filter blood?
- toxin level increases in circulatory system
- toxins affect organs (especially GI, CNS)
- clinical sings = V/D/anorexia
What happens when the kidneys can’t concentrate urine?
- excessive fluid is lost in the urine
- clinical sings = PU with compensatory PD
What happens if there is a dramatic decrease in renal function?
- Oliguria (production of abnormally small amounts of urine)
- Anuria (failure to produce urine)
