Principles of Toxicology

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to kidney function and nephrotoxicity, relevant for understanding principles of toxicology.

Kidney

An organ that filters blood, produces urine, and maintains homeostasis of electrolytes and blood pressure.

Filtration

The process in the kidneys where blood is filtered at the glomerulus to form urine.

Glomerulus

A network of capillaries where filtration of blood occurs.

Proximal Tubule

Part of the nephron where fluid is altered to form appropriate urine.

Loop of Henle

Section of the nephron that concentrates urine and maintains water balance.

Distal Tubule

Section of the nephron that fine-tunes urine composition.

Collecting Duct

Part of the nephron that channels urine to the calyx.

Nephrotoxicity

Toxicity that specifically affects kidney function.

Reabsorption

The process of reclaiming filtered substances back into the blood from the nephron.

Secretion

The process of transporting substances from the blood into the nephron to be excreted in urine.

Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)

A medical test that measures the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood.

Creatinine clearance

A test that assesses kidney function by measuring how well creatinine is cleared from the blood.

Albumin

A protein in the blood; levels can indicate kidney function when tested in urine.

Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)

A calculation used to assess kidney function based on creatinine levels.

Proteinuria

The presence of excess protein in urine, indicating possible kidney damage.

Glucosuria

The presence of glucose in urine, indicating potential diabetes or kidney issues.

Acute Glomerulonephritis

Inflammation of the glomeruli, affecting filtration and kidney function.

Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus

A condition where the kidneys cannot concentrate urine due to tubular defects.

Interstitial Nephritis

Inflammation of the tissue between renal tubules, impairing kidney function.

Cadmium

A nephrotoxic metal used in industrial applications, harmful to kidneys.

Mercury

A toxic element that can affect kidneys; found in thermometers and some dental amalgams.

Lead

A metal that poses a significant risk of nephrotoxicity, often found in plumbing and paints.

Chloroform

A halogenated hydrocarbon that is nephrotoxic and used as a solvent.

Acetaminophen

A common analgesic that can be toxic to the kidneys in high doses.

Aristolochic acid

A compound found in some plants that is nephrotoxic and carcinogenic.

Ultrasound

A medical imaging technique used to assess kidney size and detect abnormalities.