NURS 120: Module 12 - Kidney and Urinary System Terms

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key terms related to the kidney and urinary system.

hydrostatic threshold

The pressure level at which the kidney tubules cannot reabsorb a normally fully reabsorbed substance.

absorptive threshold

The level at which reabsorption capacity is reached, causing substances to spill into the urine.

transport maximum

The maximum rate at which a substance can be transported by cellular transporters.

renal threshold

The concentration level of a substance in the blood at which the kidneys begin to excrete it in urine.

aldosterone

A hormone that stimulates the kidneys to retain sodium ions and water.

antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

A hormone produced in the posterior pituitary gland that regulates water balance by increasing water reabsorption.

anuria

The absence of urine production.

atrial natriuretic hormone (ANH)

A hormone secreted by heart cells that regulates fluid and electrolyte homeostasis.

Bowman capsule

The cup-shaped top of a nephron that surrounds the glomerulus.

calyx

A cup-shaped division of the renal pelvis.

collecting duct (CD)

A straight part of a renal tubule formed by the joining of distal tubules of several nephrons.

continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD)

A form of treatment for renal failure that provides continuous dialysis without the use of a machine.

cortical nephron

A type of nephron located in the renal cortex.

countercurrent mechanism

A system in which renal tubule filtrate flows in opposite directions to maintain a hyperosmotic medulla.

cystitis

Inflammation of the urinary bladder.

distal convoluted tubule (DCT)

The part of the renal tubule distal to the ascending limb of the nephron loop.

diuretic drug

A substance that promotes the production of urine.

emptying reflex

The reflex causing contraction of the bladder wall and relaxation of the internal sphincter to allow urination.

enuresis

Involuntary voiding of urine.

epidemiologist

A scientist who studies the occurrence, distribution, and transmission of diseases.

erythropoietin (EPO)

A hormone that increases red blood cell production in response to low oxygen levels.

filtration

The movement of water and solutes through a membrane due to higher hydrostatic pressure.

glomerular capsule

The cup-shaped top of a nephron that surrounds the glomerulus.

glomerular filtrate

Fluid that is forced out of blood into the glomerular capsule.

glomerular-capsular membrane

The membrane involved in the filtration process in the kidneys.

glomerulus

A compact cluster of capillaries in the kidneys.

glycosuria

The presence of glucose in urine, indicating potential diabetes.

hemodialysis

A process using a machine to filter waste from the blood in kidney failure.

Henle loop

An extension of the proximal tubule of the kidney.

hilum

A small opening on the side of an organ allowing vessels and nerves to enter/exit.

hyperosmotic

Relating to solutions that promote osmosis of water into them.

I & O

Measurement of fluid intake and output over a specified period.

infection control

Practices to limit the spread of infection in a population.

juxtaglomerular (JG) apparatus

Cells in the nephron that help regulate blood pressure by secreting renin.

juxtamedullary nephron

A nephron that lies near the junction of the cortical and medullary layers.

lithotripsy

A technique using ultrasound to break up kidney stones non-invasively.

lithotriptor

An ultrasound generator used to pulverize kidney stones.

microbiologist

A scientist specializing in the study of microorganisms.

micturition

The act of urination or voiding.

nephron

The functional unit of the kidney consisting of a renal corpuscle and a renal tubule.

nephron loop

The looping segment of the renal tubule also known as the loop of Henle.

nephropathy

A general term for kidney disease.

neurogenic bladder

A bladder disorder resulting in loss of control over normal urination.

oliguria

The condition of producing scanty amounts of urine.

polydipsia

Excessive and persistent thirst.

polyuria

The production of unusually large amounts of urine.

proteinuria

The presence of excess plasma proteins in the urine, indicating kidney issues.

proximal convoluted tubule (PCT)

The first segment of the renal tubule.

reabsorption

The process of absorbing substances again in the kidneys.

renal calculi

Kidney stones that can cause pain and blockage.

renal colic

Pain caused by the passage of a kidney stone.

renal column

Cortical tissue in the medulla between renal pyramids.

renal corpuscle

The part of the nephron located in the kidney cortex.

renal cortex

The outer portion of the kidney.

renal medulla

The inner portion of the kidney.

renal papilla

The tip of a renal pyramid where urine drains.

renal pelvis

The basin-like structure at the upper end of the ureter inside the kidney.

renal pyramid

Distinct triangular wedges that form the medullary tissue of the kidney.

renal threshold

The level at which the kidneys begin to excrete a substance into urine.

renal tubule

One of the two main components of a nephron.

renin

An enzyme that catalyzes the formation of angiotensin, affecting blood pressure.

renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS)

A mechanism that regulates blood plasma volume and blood pressure.

retroperitoneal

Refers to an area located outside of the peritoneum.

rugae

Wrinkles or folds within organs such as the bladder.

secretion

The process of releasing substances from cells.

sphincter

A ring-shaped muscle that acts as a valve.

transport maximum (Tmax)

The greatest amount of a substance that can be moved by cellular transporters at one time.

trigone

A triangular area on the wall of the urinary bladder.

uremia

The presence of high levels of nitrogen waste products in the blood.

ureter

A tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder.

urethra

The passageway for the elimination of urine.

urinalysis

Laboratory testing of urine samples to diagnose conditions.

urinary incontinence

The involuntary voiding of urine, also known as enuresis.

urinary meatus

The external opening of the urethra.

urinary retention

A condition in which no urine is voided.

urinary suppression

A condition in which kidneys do not produce urine.

urinary system

The organ system responsible for excreting liquid waste.

urination

The act of passing urine from the body.

voiding

The act of emptying the bladder, synonymous with micturition.