Renal Anatomy and Disease Flashcards
Which region of the spine does the kidney lie?
T12–> L3
What is a horseshoe kidney?
When the kidney is fused across the midline. Increase risk of stone formation
What is the structure of the kidney?
Renal capsule Cortex Pelvis Ureter (Medullary ray Papilla Hilus Calyx)
What is the functional unit of a kidney?
Nephron
How many nephrons for each collecting duct?
About 6
What is the Bowman’s capsule surround by?
Glomerulus
What are the two types of nephron?
Superficial and juxtamedullary
What is renal failure characterised by?
Fall in glomerular filtration rate
Increased serum urea and creatinine
What does renal failure start with?
Something that causes a thickening of glomerular membranes --> damage glomeruli --> glomerulosclerosis --> tubular atrophy --> interstitial inflammation --> fibrosis All grouped under uraemia
What can a failure to excrete salt and water lead to?
Hypertension, mild acidosis, hyperkalemia (high [K+])
What can a failure of erythropoietin production lead to?
Anaemia, lethargy
What does erythropoietin secreted by the kidneys do?
Increases the rate of production of RBCs in response to falling levels of oxygen
What can failure to excrete phosphate ions lead ti?
It lowers Ca2+ as forms calcium phosphate
So metastatic calcification and osteoporosis
Causes of renal failure
- Mostly glomerulonephritis
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Hypertension
- Polycystic kidney disease
What can be used to treat acute renal failure?
Diuretics - excrete Na+ –> H2O followrs
