Lecture on the Urinary System

Collection of essential vocabulary related to the Urinary System for exam preparation.

Excretion of metabolic waste products

The kidney eliminates waste products such as urea, creatinine, bilirubin, and hydrogen.

Gluconeogenesis

The synthesis of glucose from amino acids performed by the kidneys during prolonged fasting.

Renal erythropoietic factor

A hormone secreted by the kidneys that stimulates the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow.

1,25 Dihydroxycholecalciferol

The active form of vitamin D produced by the kidneys, important for calcium and phosphate metabolism.

Renin-angiotensin system

A hormone system that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance initiated by the kidneys.

Juxtaglomerular cells

Modified smooth muscle cells in the arterioles of the kidney involved in renin release.

Micturition reflex

The reflex responsible for bladder emptying when it fills and tension in its walls rises.

Detrusor muscle

The smooth muscle layer of the bladder that contracts to facilitate urination.

Peristaltic contractions

Wave-like muscle contractions in the ureters that help transport urine to the bladder.

Vesicoureteral reflux

A condition where urine flows backward from the bladder into the ureters due to improper closure.

Macula densa cells

Cells in the kidney that sense sodium chloride levels and help regulate blood flow and filtration.

Oliguria

A condition characterized by low urine output.

Polyuria

Excessive urination often due to impaired renal function or diabetes.

Renal failure

A medical condition where the kidneys lose their ability to function effectively.

Diuretics

Medications that promote the removal of excess water and salts from the body by increasing urine output.

Acid-base balance

The process of maintaining the proper pH in the body fluids, mainly regulated by the kidneys.

Creatinine clearance

A test that measures the rate at which creatinine is cleared from the blood by the kidneys, indicating kidney function.