Clinical Microscopy: Kidney Anatomy and Physiology

Vocabulary flashcards covering the anatomy and physiology of the kidney, renal blood flow parameters, and tubular transport mechanisms based on clinical microscopy review notes.

Kidneys

Paired retroperitoneal bean-shaped organs that filter blood and excrete waste.

A. Ureters

B. Kidney

C. Bladder

Ureters

Structures that transport urine from the kidneys to the urinary bladder.

Bladder

Stores urine and expels it into the urethra

Nephron | 1 to 1.5 million |

The functional unit of the kidney, with ______ present in each kidney.

Cortical nephrons

Nephrons primarily involved in the removal of waste products and the reabsorption of nutrients.

Juxtamedullary nephrons

primarily responsible for the concentration of urine.

Glomerulus | sieve | <70 000 Da

nonselective filter (_____) for substances with a mole with MW of ______

Proximal Convoluted Tubule (PCT)

The part of the nephron responsible for the immediate reabsorption of essential substances and the major site for removal of nonfiltered substances via secretion.

Loop of Henle

The portion of the nephron that maintains the osmotic gradient (salt concentration) in the medulla.

Distal Convoluted Tubule (DCT)

The part of the nephron responsible for the final adjustment of urinary composition.

Collecting Duct

The final site for the concentration of urine.

Renal Artery > AA > Glomerulus > EA > PC > Vasa Recta > Renal Vein | 25% |

The kidneys receive ___ of the total cardiac output

Total renal plasma flow: 600 to 700 mL/min

Total renal blood flow: 1200 mL/min

Total renal blood and plasma flow unit

Podocytes

Epithelial cells of the inner lining of the Bowman capsule that contain foot-like processes.

Shield of Negativity

A mechanism in the glomerulus that repels molecules with a negative charge, such as albumin.

Tubular Reabsorption

The first renal function affected in the presence of renal disease.

glucose, amino acids, and salts in the Proximal Convoluted Tubule.

Chloride: ALoh

Sodium: PCT & DCT

Active Transport (PCT)The energy-requiring process used to transport, in the

1. PCT

2. ALoH

3. Sodium

Water: all parts of the nephron except ALoH

Sodium: aloh

Urea: PCT & ALOH

Passive transport in Tubular Reabsorption

PCT

Major site for removal of nonfiltered substances