Kidney Function and Urine Concentration

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to kidney function and the mechanisms of urine concentration based on the lecture notes.

Obligatory water reabsorption

The process where 2/3 of water and solutes filtered by glomerulus are reabsorbed independently of hydration status.

Countercurrent Multiplication

A process that establishes a concentration gradient in the renal medulla for osmosis at the descending limb and collecting duct.

Ascending Limb

Part of the nephron loop that is impermeable to water and actively pumps NaCl out to increase osmolarity of renal medulla.

Descending Limb

Part of the nephron loop that is permeable to water, allowing it to leave by osmosis, concentrating the filtrate.

Diuretics

Medications that increase urine output by promoting water loss, used to treat conditions like high blood pressure.

Renal Medulla

The innermost part of the kidney that plays a crucial role in concentrating urine.

Collecting Duct

The structure where the final stage of water reabsorption occurs, concentrating filtrate into urine.

Urea Recycling

The process of filtering, reabsorbing, and secreting urea which contributes to osmolarity and water reabsorption.

Juxtamedullary Nephron

A type of nephron that has long loops of Henle and plays a significant role in concentrating urine.

Vasa Recta

Capillary system that maintains the countercurrent exchange, aiding in reabsorption of water and electrolytes.