The Renal System Flashcards
What is the renal system made up of
The renal system is made up of the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra.
What is urine made up of
Water, urea, uric acid, electrolytes and bile pigments
How much urine do humans typically produce in a day
1.5-2L
Why do pregnant women urinate more often
Pregnant women urinate more often due to compression on the bladder
What are the implications of finding glucose in urine
Glucose is usually reabsorbed into the blood so it can indicate gestational diabetes
What are the implications of finding ketones in urine
Ketones are produced when the body metabolises fat eg during a diet so it indicates weight loss. Can indicate diabetes if found with glucose.
What are the implications of finding blood in urine
Blood indicates renal damage such as kidney stones, infection or a tumour
What are the implications of finding protein in urine
Protein can indicate raised blood pressure, preeclampsia and UTI
What are the implications of finding Leukocytes in urine
Leukocytes indicate infection as they are white blood cells
How is blood supplied to the kidneys
Kidneys receive blood under high pressure from the renal artery which is rich in oxygen and waste. Deoxygenated blood under low pressure leaves the kidneys via the renal veins.
What are the renal fat pads
The renal fat pads are a layer of dense fat in the lower ribcage that embed the kidneys.
Describe the structure of the kidney
The renal capsule is a thin protective membrane on the outside. The renal cortex is the outer cortex, the renal medulla is the middle portion and the renal pelvis is the hollow middle where urine collects.
What is a nephron
A nephron is a structure that produces urine
What is the renal corpsule
The renal corpsule is a structure that consists of the glomerulus and the bowmans capsule. Blood enters the glomerulus under high pressure and fluid filters into the bowmans capsule.
What is the proximal tubule
The proximal tubule is where glucose, amino acids, hormones and 65% of water is reabsorbed into the blood.
What is the loop of henle
The loop of henle is where excess salt and 15% of water is reabsorbed
What is the distal tubule
The distal tubule is regulated by ADH, and where a further 19% of water is reabsorbed
What is the collecting duct
The collecting duct is also controlled by ADH and carries the urine to the renal pelvises where gravity drains it to the ureters which contract periodically forcing it into the bladder
What is the bladder
The bladder is a distensible smooth muscle sack lined with transitional epithelium which allows it to expand. This is prone to tumour and infection, especially in pregnancy.
What is micturition
Micturition is the physiological term for urination
How does urination work
The bladder walls have stretch receptors that are activated by action potentials triggered by it filling. It can hold up to 400ml in the day and 800ml in the night. There is a muscle ring called the urinary sphincter made of skeletal muscle that can be consciously controlled while urinating.
How is water balance controlled
ADH is released by the posterior pituitary when the body is dehydrated . ADH acts on the distal convoluted tubule and collecting duct to allow more water to be reabsorbed.
Why is dehydration an issue in midwifery
Dehydration is seen in women with severe morning sickness who loose fluids through vomit. It can cause reduced sweating, tachycardia, palpations, confusion and sunken fontanelles in babies
What is water intoxication
Water intoxication is where water causes cells and all organs to swell, causing the brain to be compressed against the skull which can be fatal. It can be seen in AF fed babies whos milk is overdiluted
