renal system physiology Flashcards
What are the 2 key non-renal functions of the kidney?
Hormone release, Metabolic functions
What are the hormones released by the kidneys?
Erythropoietin, calcitriol (activated Vitamin D)
What is the role of the kidneys in acid-base balance?
Synthesis HCO3 to maintain pH, excrete non-volatile acids
What is the relationship between arterial blood pressure and glomerular hydrostatic pressue and GFR?
As blood pressure drops, glomerular hydrostatic pressure drops and so too does GFR
What are the intrinsic/autoregulation mechanisms thats regulate renal blood flow and GFR?
- Tubulo-glomerular feedback - sodium levels in the macula densa feedback to vasoconstrict the afferent or efferent arteriole to alter GFR
- Myogenic mechanism - afferent arteriole responds to stretch/pressure and contracts in response to high pressure/dilates in response to low pressure
What process occurs when the macula densa senses low sodium?
Activates renin, which triggers conversion of Ang I to Ang II, and results in constriction of the efferent arteriole to raise GFR
What process occurs when the macula densa senses high sodium?
Reduces renin releases, therefore vasodilating the efferent arteriole to reduce GFR
How do high levels of Ang II affect glomerular blood flow?
While low levels of Ang II cause efferent arteriole constriction for intrinsic auto-regulation of GFR, high levels will activate afferent arteriole vasoconstriction, which provides an extrinsic reduction in renal blood flow.
What are the extrinsic mechanisms that regulate renal blood flow?
- Angiotensin II - acts on afferent arterioles when in high doses to reduced glomerular blood flow to preserve blood volume.
- Sympathetic innervation - nerve activation acts to restrict afferent arterioles to reduce GFR
- Prostaglandins - Vasodilate afferent arterioles to increase renal blood flow.
What is the Glomerular Filtration Rate?
The rate at which blood is filtered at the glomerulus
What factors determine the effective filtration pressure?
Hydrostatic and osmotic pressures in the glomerular capillaries, and the Bowman’s capsule
What is hydrostatic pressure?
Pressure exerted by fluid (blood/filtrate)
What is colloid osmotic pressure?
Pressure exerted by proteins - drives fluid towards the protein
How is GFR calculated for a solute that is completely filtered by the kidneys with no secretion/reabsorption?
GFR = (Urine volume * Urine Concentration)/Plasma Concentration
GFR = (UV/P)
Which substances are completely filtered by the kidneys with no reabsorption or secretion?
Creatinine, inulin
Which clearance value can be used to determine GFR?
Creatinine clearance
Which parts of the nephron are involved in reabsorption?
Proximal tubule, Descending loop of Henle, Ascending loop of Henle, Distal tubule, Collecting Duct
Which solutes are only reabsorbed, but not secreted by the renal tubule?
Glucose, water, sodium, chloride, phosphate, calcium
Which solutes are only secreted, and not reabsorbed by the renal tubule?
organic cations/anions (includes drugs, monoamines, neurotransmitters, etc.)
Which solutes are secreted and reabsorbed by the renal tubule?
Potassium, ammonia, hydrogen ions, bicarbonate, urea
What is the main function of the proximal convoluted tubule?
Bulk reabsorption of water and many solutes, including bicarbonate, sodium, chloride, phosphate, potassium, amino acids and glucose.
(there is also some secretion of organic acids, H+ and drugs)
What structural features of the proximal tubule epithelium allow for its reabsorptive function?
Microvilli increase surface area, abundant mitochondria provide energy for sodium pumps for co-transport of sodium and glucose
How and where is glucose reabsorbed in the nephron?
Reabsorbed with sodium at co-transporters in the proximal tubule
How and where are amino acids reabsorbed in the nephron?
Reabsorbed with sodium at co-transporters in the proximal tubule