Renal Flashcards
The fibrous membrane that encloses the kidney is called…
The renal capsule
The outer most layer of the kidney beneath the renal capsule which surrounds the medulla/medullary pyramids is called?
The cortex
Structure within the kidney that transports urine from the cortical (outer) layer, where urine is produced, to the minor, then major calyces, in which urine collects before it passes through the ureter to the bladder
Medullary Pyramids
Ducts that carry urine from the medullary pyramids into the renal pelvis
Major calyxes
The correct order of how filtrate (blood) flows through the nephron starting in the glomerulus and ending in the ureter?
Glomerulus, Proximal convoluted tubule (PCT), Descending loop of Henle, Ascending loop of Henle, Distal convoluted tubule (DCT), Collecting duct, Renal pelvis, Ureter
The 3 main functions of the nephron
Filtration, Reabsorption, Secretion
3 secondary functions of the nephron
BP control, red cell production (erythropoietin) and calcium absorption
The structure that takes blood flow to the glomerulus for filtration is known as the…
Afferent Arteriole
Location and function of the Juxtaglomerular Apparatus
Lies between the glomerulus and the distal convoluted tubule of the same nephron. Regulates the composition of the filtrate and thus the GFR.
A potent vasoconstrictor that stimulates the release of aldosterone from the adrenal gland and antidiuretic hormone (ADH) from the posterior pituitary gland
Angiotensin II
Enzyme that converts angiotensin I into angiotensin II.
ACE
Where in the body is ACE found?
Renal endotheliumm, the lungs and capillary endothelium
Condition that commonly occurs after an episode of strep throat or, in rare cases, impetigo (a skin infection) that stimulates the immune system to overproduce antibodies, which are circulated in the blood and finally deposited in the glomeruli, causing damage.
Acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN)
The most common organism to cause UTIs…
E.Coli
(7) Risk factors for UTIs
Urinary catheter
Pregnancy
Menopause (reduced oestrogen)
Anatomical abnormalities of the urinary tract
ABX changing the vaginal flora, promoting colonisation
Sexual activity
Incomplete bladder emptying
Common presenting symptoms of a UTI (cystitis)
Dysuria (painful urination), increased urinary frequency, cloudy and strong smelling urine, haematuria, lower abdominal discomfort/pelvic pain
Symptoms that will make you suspect that a UTI has ascended to the kidneys
Back pain, fever, nausea and vomiting
A 25 year old female presents with pain and burning when passing urine. She has noticed that her urine is cloudy and that she needs to go to toilet more frequently. No back pain. Observations normal. Not pregnant. Which antibiotic is the most appropriate? Should you prescribe straight away?
Nitrofurantoin for 3 days. Consider a back up prescription.
In an UPPER UTI, what oral antibiotic would be most appropriate if the patient was pregnant and for how long should it be taken?
Cefalexin, 7 days. (Always treat longer for pyelonephritis)
Three membrane layers of the glomerulus
(1) Fenestrated Epithelial Layer
(2) Basement Membrane
(3) Podocyte Layer
The name of the capillaries that are supplied by the Efferent Arteriole that surrounds the nephron and aid in reabsorption (back into the blood)
Peritubular Capillaries
What cells secrete Renin?
Renin is produced and stored in granular juxtaglomerular (JG) cells
