Urine

Bowman’s Capsule

The portion of the nephron that receives the glomerular filtrate

Cortex

The outer layer or portion of an organ

Distal Convulated Tubule

The portion of a renal tubule that empties into the collecting tubule

Diuresis

output of an abnormally large urine volume

Glomerular Filtrate

The fluid that passes from the blood into the nephron and from which urine is formed

Glomerulus (pl. glomeruli)

A small bundle of capillaries that is the filtering portion of the nephron.

Loop of Henle

he U-shaped portion of the renal tubule between its proximal and distal portions.

Medulla

The inner or central portion of an organ.

Nephron

The structural and functional unit of the kidney.

Proximal Convoluted Tubule

The portion of a renal tubule that collects the filtrate from Bowman’s capsule.

Pyelitis

Inflammation of the kidney and renal pelvis

Renal Pelvis

The cavity in the kidney that receives urine from the renal tubules and the site where the ureter enters the kidney

Renal Threshold

The blood concentration above which a substance not normally excreted by the kidneys appears in urine.

Tubular Necrosis

Death of the tissue comprising the renal tubules.

Anuria

Complete failure of kidney function and suppression of urine production; absence of urine production.

Clean-Catch Urine

A midstream urine sample collected after the urethral opening and surrounding tissues have been cleansed

Midstream Urine

A urine sample collected in the middle of voiding.

Nocturia

Excessive urination at night.

Oliguria

Decreased production of urine.

Pyelonephritis

Inflammation of the kidney and renal pelvis.