The renal system Flashcards
Give two main functions of the renal system
Excretion or removal of waste from the body including urea.
Osmoregulation - regulation of water balance.
Give the components of the renal system
Kidney
Nephron
Loop of Henle
Ureter
Bladder
Urethra
Bowman’s capsule
Glomerulus
What is the nephron surrounded by?
Capillaries
What do many nephrons connect with?
Collecting ducts
Where is the blood filtered and other useful substances absorbed?
The nephron
How does the nephron have a large surface area for exchange?
Due to it’s length.
Role of Loop of Henle
Helps maintain a concentration gradient
Role of Bowman’s capsule
Helps glomerulus filter blood
Role of glomerulus
Filters blood
How is urea removed from the blood?
This is done via ultrafiltration and happens at the start of the nephron in the Bowman’s capsule.
Why does high pressure develop in the glomerulus?
Because the diameter of the afferent arteriole is smaller than the efferent leading to the pressure forcing fluids out of the capillaries forming the filtrate.
1st step of urine production
Filtrate moves along the length of the nephron
2nd step of urine production
Composition changes to the filtrate in the nephron meaning it becomes urine.
3rd step of urine production
Urine enters the collecting ducts and is taken to the ureter.
Substances such as glucose, amino acids are reabsorbed by mechanism of co-transport. Where does this take place?
In the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT)
Mineral ions may need to be reabsorbed if there is excess within the blood. Where does this type of reabsorption occur?
In the distal convoluted tubule (DCT)
What is chronic kidney disease?
Gradual loss of kidney function over a period of months or years.
Give the causes of CKD
The three main causes are:
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Kidney inflammation
What can become damaged in CKD?
The capillaries that are in the glomerulus that interferes with the ultrafiltration and absorption.
What are some other causes of CKD?
High cholesterol
Kidney infections
Autosomal Dominant polycystic kidney disease
Blockages in the flow of urine
Long-term use of medicines.
Give the physical impact of CKD
Swelling of the ankles, feet, hands caused by water retention
Tiredness and SOB
Blood in the urine
How can CKD be controlled?
Weight loss
Low protein and low-salt diet with a combination of medicines to reduce BP and cholesterol levels.
What does renal dialysis do?
Removes urea and maintains level of minerals
Hemodialysis
Patient is attached to a machine and is usually performed in a center for three days a week with each session last around four hours.
