T3 L2: Intro to renal function Flashcards
What causes acute kidney failure?
Trauma or drug toxicity
How much does a kidney normally weigh?
120g - 170g
Out of men or women, who is most likely to have kidney agenesis?
Men
What are renal cysts filled with?
Watery fluid like primary urine
At what age does a child get full renal function?
Age 5
Which parts of a nephron touch and help regulate blood pressure?
The distal tubule touches the top of the glomerulus
What 2 types of nephron are found in humans?
Cortical and juxtramedullary nephrons
Why do desert animals not have as many cortical nephrons?
Because the loop of Henle controls the urine concentrations and a shorter loop is less efficient at this. Desert animals need to conserve more water
What % of all nephrons are made up by cortical nephrons?
70-80%
Which vessels supply the loop of Henle of a cortical nephron?
Peritubular capillaries
Which vessels supply the loop of Henle of a juxtamedullary nephron?
Vasa recta
What is the sympathetic nerve supply to the kidney?
Postganglionic fibres from the sympathetic chain and fibres from coeliac region
What happens to blood supply to the kidneys during stress?
It’s reduced
What is the parasympathetic nerve supply to the kidneys?
Vagus nerve. But it’s hard to find in humans suggesting we don’t need it
What is meant by paracellular transport?
Transport between cells
