The Nephron and Kidneys

Flashcards about the Nephron and Kidneys

Kidneys

Two reddish-brown, bean-shaped organs on either side of the spine, just under the ribcage.

Renal artery

Brings blood into the kidney (oxygenated and dirty blood).

Ureters

Transfers urine from the kidney to the bladder.

Bladder

Elastic-sac that stores 700-800 mL of urine.

Urethra

Transfers urine from bladder to the outside of the body.

Renal Cortex

Outer layer of the kidney

Renal Medulla

Network of capillaries in the kidney

Renal Pelvis

Cavity (cup) in middle of the kidney

Fibrous Capsule

Shock absorber (protection) of the kidney

How much blood do the kidneys filter?

About 180 liters per day

Nephrons

Main functional units found in each kidney.

Three Functions of Nephrons

Removes solutes and water from blood, Controls acidic levels or pH, Removes toxic waste.

Filtration

Water and solutes from blood are filtered to form FILTRATE.

Reabsorption

Valuable substances reabsorbed into blood.

Secretion

Toxins extracted and forms urine.

Components of Urine

Water, Urea, Ammonia, Salt, Ions (K, Ca), Uric Acid, Toxins

Afferent Arteriole

Blood arrives from aorta through the renal artery to this arteriole. Subdivides in glomerulus

Glomerulus

Ball of capillaries inside Bowman’s capsule. Filters blood via Blood Pressure

Bowman's capsule

Cup –shaped end of tubule that becomes proximal tubule. Filters blood, water, urea, salts, and solutes from blood à referred to as FILTRATE

Efferent Arteriole

Capillaries come together as they leave glomerulus to form the efferent arteriole

Peritubular Capillaries

Capillary network that surrounds the Loop of Henle and tubules.

Proximal (Convoluted) Tubule

Filtrate comes from Bowman’s capsule to this structure. Capillaries around here REABSORB glucose, amino acids, potassium, water, and salt.

Loop of Henle

A turn in the nephron; found in the medulla of kidneys. Maintains water and salt concentration.

Distal (Convoluted) Tubule

Reabsorption continues. Secretion of toxins from blood into urine happen here

Collecting Duct

Filtrate now is in urine form. From here, urine is sent to the ureter, bladder and urethra out of the body.

Glomerular Filtration

Taking contents out of blood

Tubular Reabsorption

Putting important stuff back in the blood

Tubular Secretion

Remaining particles added to “filtrate”