Chapter 25 - Urinary System

Flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to the urinary system, including kidney functions, nephron structure, urine formation processes, and related hormones.

Kidneys

Organs that filter blood to remove waste, toxins, and excess ions, while maintaining electrolyte balance and blood pressure.

Renal Capsule

A transparent tissue layer, closest to the kidney, that provides a barrier to prevent infection.

Nephron

The functional unit of the kidney, consisting of various structures responsible for urine formation and blood filtration.

Glomerulus

A tuft of capillaries in the nephron where filtration of blood occurs.

Bowman's Capsule

The cup-shaped structure surrounding the glomerulus, collecting the filtrate.

Tubular Reabsorption

The process by which the nephron returns substances from the filtrate back into the blood.

Peristalsis

The rhythmic contractions of muscles in the walls of the ureters that propel urine toward the bladder.

Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)

The rate at which fluid is filtered from the blood into Bowman's capsule, approximately 120 ml/min in healthy adults.

Loop of Henle

A U-shaped section of the nephron important for regulating water and sodium reabsorption.

ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone)

Hormone that increases water reabsorption in the kidneys, affecting urine concentration.

Ureters

Slender tubes that transport urine from the kidneys to the urinary bladder.

Urethra

The tube that conveys urine from the bladder to the exterior of the body.

Collecting Tubules

Structure that collects filtrate from multiple nephrons and drains it into the calyces.

Renin

Hormone produced by kidneys that helps regulate blood pressure.

Erythropoietin

Hormone produced by the kidneys that stimulates red blood cell production.

Dilute Urine

Urine that is low in concentration, resulting from the lack of water reabsorption.

Concentrated Urine

Urine that is high in concentration, resulting from increased water reabsorption.