Nutrient Status and Kidney Functions

These flashcards cover key concepts related to nutrient status under fasting conditions and the functions of the kidneys, aiming to assist in studying and retaining important information for the exam.

Nutrient Status during starvation

A long-term condition characterized by a mix of hormones like less glucagon, epinephrine, and cortisol.

Ketogenesis

The process through which ketones are produced from fatty acids.

Phases of starvation

Includes short term, medium term, and late (terminal) phases.

Glycogen breakdown in starvation

The process in which glycogen is converted into glucose, initially providing energy.

Brain energy use during starvation

The brain primarily uses glucose and then switches to ketones when glucose levels are low.

Protein catabolism during fasting

The breakdown of proteins into amino acids for energy or gluconeogenesis.

Functions of the kidneys

Includes filtering blood plasma, excreting toxic wastes, and regulating blood volume and pressure.

Erythropoietin secretion

A hormone produced by the kidneys that helps regulate red blood cell production.

Kidney failure and diabetes relationship

About 40% of kidney failure cases are caused by diabetes mellitus.

Kidney function tests

Tests such as creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) to assess kidney health.

Nephron units

The functional units of the kidneys, consisting of juxtamedullary and cortical nephrons.

Juxtamedullary nephron

A nephron type located close to the medulla with long loops.

Cortical nephron

A nephron type that is more superficial with shorter loops.

Renal hilum

The area where major blood vessels enter and leave the kidney.

Minor calyx

The structure that collects urine from the renal papilla.

Major calyx

The structure formed from the convergence of several minor calyces.

Renal pelvis

The area where the major calyces merge before urine flows into the ureter.

Renal blood vessels

The blood vessels that supply the kidneys.

Renal cortex

The outer layer of the kidney where filtration occurs.

Renal medulla

The inner region of the kidney containing renal pyramids.

Glomerulus

A network of capillaries involved in the filtering of blood.

Adipose tissue during fasting

Utilizes lipolysis for energy during starvation.

Liver's role in fasting

Performs gluconeogenesis and ketogenesis due to glycogen depletion.

Sympathetic innervation

The part of the nervous system that regulates the body's response to stress, especially during fasting.

Creatinine levels

Elevated levels indicate slower waste removal by the kidneys.

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels

Used to assess kidney function, with elevated levels indicating issues.

Acid-base balance regulation

One of the critical functions of the kidneys to maintain homeostasis.

Calcium homeostasis

The regulation of calcium levels in the body, also influenced by the kidneys.

Nutrient absorption in the gut during starvation

Is significantly reduced, affecting overall nutrient status.

Long-term fasting effects on muscles

Results in lipid use and protein catabolism for energy production.

Ketone use in the brain

The utilization of ketones for energy when glucose is scarce.

Symptoms of late starvation phase

Includes rapid wasting and increased risk of death.