Renal structure and function of the renal tubule Flashcards
What are the juxtamedullary nephrons key to?
The juxtamedullary nephrons are key to the maintenance of counter-current mechanism
What are the 2 types of nephrons?
-Cortical nephron
-Juxtamedullary nephron
What is the function of cortical nephrons?
Cortical nephrons (85% of all nephrons) mainly perform excretory and regulatory functions
What are the tubules responsible for and what does this maintain?
The tubules are responsible to convert the 180 litres of crude glomerular filtrate into high
quality “fit-for-purpose” urine, to maintain body’s salt-water-electrolyte balance
What is the equation for total urine?
Glomerular filtration 180L + Tubular reabsorption 178L secretion = Urine 2L
Which tubule does majority of reabsorption take place?
Majority of the reabsorption including 65% of water occurs at the proximal convoluted tubule
What type of cells are in the proximal convoluted tubule?
Tall cells with numerous
microvilli and mitochondria
What does malfunction of the proximal convoluted tubule cause?
Malfunction causes acidosis and
“fanconi syndrome”
What is the descending limb of loop of henle permeable to?
The descending limb of loop of Henle is permeable to water
What type of cells does the ascending limb of henle have and what does it transport out of the tubule?
The ascending limb has thicker cells with mitochondria, transports electrolytes out of the tubule
What mechanism is the loop of henle responsible for?
The loop is responsible for counter current mechanism
What diuretics work at the loop of henle?
“Loop diuretics” work here
What are the distal convoluted tubule responsible for?
Responsible for more
reabsorption of electrolytes and
water
What type of cells are present in the distal convoluted tubule?
Tall cells with numerous
mitochondria
What apparatus does the distal convoluted tubule include?
Includes the juxtaglomerular
apparatus