Lecture Notes on the Respiratory and Renal Systems

A set of flashcards summarizing key concepts from the lecture on the respiratory and renal systems.

Conducting Zone

Conducts air from the atmosphere to the alveoli.

Respiratory Escalator

Cleans the air by moving mucus up and particulates to be swallowed.

Alveolar Type 1 Cells

Alveolar epithelial cells that have thinner walls for easier gas exchange.

Alveolar Type 2 Cells

Secretes surfactant to prevent alveoli from collapsing.

Alveolar Macrophages

Cells that eat particulates that pass the respiratory escalator.

Gas Exchange

Occurs via partial pressure gradient between alveoli and capillaries.

Partial Pressure Gradient

Moves gases based on the difference in pressure of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Carbonic Anhydrase

An enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of carbon dioxide and water to bicarbonate and protons.

Aquaporins

Proteins that facilitate the transport of water across cell membranes.

Proximal Convoluted Tubule

A part of the nephron where 70-80% of tubular filtrate is reabsorbed.

Sympathetic Autonomic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic nervous system that can affect kidney function, particularly during fight or flight responses.

Juxtaglomerular Apparatus (JGA)

A structure in the kidney that regulates blood pressure and filtration rate.

Macula Densa

Part of the JGA that acts as a pressure sensor and regulates the function of the kidneys.

GFR (Glomerular Filtration Rate)

A crucial measure of kidney function that indicates how well the kidneys are filtering blood.