Chapter 26 - Urinary System

These flashcards cover key concepts from Chapter 26 on the urinary system, focusing on the functions, anatomy, and physiology related to urine production, kidney structure, and disorders.

Urinary System

The major excretory system of the body that helps maintain homeostasis.

Nephron

The functional and histological unit of the kidney, comprising a renal corpuscle and tubules.

Erythropoietin (EPO)

A hormone secreted by the kidneys to regulate red blood cell synthesis.

Glomerulus

A tuft of capillaries in the renal corpuscle responsible for filtering blood.

Filtration

The process by which the glomerular capillaries filter blood, separating fluid and small molecules.

Tubular Reabsorption

The process of transporting water and solutes from the filtrate back into the bloodstream.

Tubular Secretion

The movement of substances from the peritubular capillaries into the filtrate.

Afferent Arteriole

The blood vessel that carries blood to the glomerulus.

Efferent Arteriole

The blood vessel that carries blood away from the glomerulus.

Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS)

Hormonal system that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance.

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

A hormone that increases water reabsorption in the kidneys.

Urinary Bladder

A temporary storage reservoir for urine.

Urethra

The duct that transports urine out of the body.

Micturition Reflex

The reflex that allows for urine to be expelled from the urinary bladder.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of stable internal conditions in the body despite external changes.

Nephron Loop

The part of the nephron responsible for reabsorbing water and ions.

Kidney Stones

Solid deposits that form in the kidneys, leading to pain and urinary obstruction.

Diabetes Insipidus

A condition characterized by excessive urination and thirst due to inadequate ADH.

Acute Renal Failure

A rapid loss of kidney function leading to accumulation of waste products.

Chronic Renal Failure

Gradual loss of kidney function over time, often leading to end-stage kidney disease.

Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)

The rate at which the kidneys filter blood, usually measured in milliliters per minute.

Renal Threshold

The plasma concentration of a substance above which it appears in urine.