Urinary system part II

Renal Corpuscle

The functional unit in the kidney that consists of the glomerulus and Bowman's capsule where filtration occurs.

Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)

The amount of filtrate produced by the kidneys per minute, averaging about 125 mL/min.

Fenestrated Endothelium

A specialized type of endothelial cell with pores that enhances the filtration process in the glomerular capillaries.

Podocyte

A cell with foot-like extensions that wrap around the capillaries of the glomerulus, contributing to the filtration barrier.

Filtration Membrane

The barrier composed of glomerular capillary endothelium, basement membrane, and filtration slits between podocytes that regulates what passes into the filtrate.

Natriuretic Peptides

Hormones such as atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) that promote the excretion of sodium and water to decrease blood volume and pressure.

Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS)

A hormone system that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance by adjusting the volume of blood through mechanisms involving renin, angiotensin, and aldosterone.

Hydrostatic Pressure

The pressure exerted by fluids, which, in the context of glomerular filtration, drives the movement of water and solutes across the filtration membrane.

Capsular Hydrostatic Pressure (CHP)

The pressure exerted by the fluid in the capsular space, which opposes filtration in the glomerulus.

Glomerular Colloid Osmotic Pressure (GCOP)

The pressure produced by the presence of proteins in the blood plasma that pulls water back into the glomerular capillaries, opposing filtration.