Phys 1 Flashcards
how many nephrons in a kidney?
1 million
What are the 4 main functions of the nephron (aka blood processing unit)
- filtration
- reabsorption
- secretion
- excretion
functions of the kidney (there are a ton)
- filter plasma and produce urine
- excrete metabolic waste products
- reabsorb glucose and amino acids from filtrate
- regulate Ca and phosphate uptake
- regulate water homeostasis
- regulate extracellular vol. –> BP
- regulate electrolytes
- acid base homeostasis
- gluconeogenesis
- endocrine function
what are the endocrine components of the kidney? (4)
- kinins
- 1, 25-dihydroxycholecalciferol
- EPO
- renin
What 2 diseases cause the largest prevalence of kidney dysfunction?
- DM
2. HTN
What type of endothelium is found within the glomerulus?
fenestrated
characteristics of the afferent arteriole that feeds the glomerulus
- high resistance vessel
- high pressure
- larger diameter than efferent
what is the general function of the afferent arteriole?
to force fluid and solutes from the circulation to the glomerulus to form filtrate
mesangial cells
- where
- function
- between capillaries
- contractile cells that regulate the filtration rate and restrict large particles
What is the glomerular capsule aka bowman’s capsule?
- a blind sac of the nephron
- surrounds the glomerulus
- receives filtrate
podocytes
- cells that surround the capillaries
- they have foot like extensions that function as pores for another layer of filtration
PCT cell type
cuboidal
characteristics of the PCT
- high in mitochondria (think active transport occurring here)
- dense w/ microvilli
what mainly occurs at the PCT?
-active reabsorption of water and solutes (glc) from the filtrate
descending limb of the LoH
- thin
- squamous epithelium
- permeable to water
ascending lib of the LoH
- thick
- cuboidal epithelium
- solute secretion (i.e Na)
What are the 2 types of nephrons?
- cortical nephrons
2. jextamedullary nephrons
cortical nephrons
- make up 85% of nephrons
- short loops
juxtamedullary nephrons
- 15% (even though this is what we talk about the most)
- long loops
- have vasa recta
characteristics of the DCT
- cuboidal cells
- lack microvilli (b/c not as much reabsorption occurring)
- empty to collecting duct
peritubular capillaries arise from what?
the efferent arteriole
function and characteristics of the peritubular capillaries
- surround the renal tubule
- low pressure and porous
- readily absorb water and solutes
- return fluid to the renal vein