Lecture 13: Renal System and Nephron Physiology

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering renal anatomy, hormone functions, and nephron physiology based on the Lecture 13 transcript.

Filtration of kidneys

The process involving water, salt, waste, and pH balance.

Erythropoietin

A substance that stimulates blood cell production.

Renin

A substance that results in vasoconstriction, causing BP to go up.

ADH

Hormone that causes kidneys to reabsorb water back into the bloodstream (body).

Aldosterone

Hormone that causes kidneys to reabsorb salt back into the bloodstream (body).

Adrenal cortex

The part of the gland that makes hormones: cortisol, aldosterone, and testosterone.

Adrenal medulla

The part of the gland that makes the hormone epinephrine.

Kidneys (2)

Organs that filter the blood and form urine.

Ureters (2)

Structures that transport urine from kidneys to bladder.

Bladder

Structure that stores urine until urination.

Urethra (1)

Structure that transports urine from bladder to outside the body.

Renal hilus

The area containing the renal artery, renal vein, and ureter.

Renal pyramids

Structures that contain nephrons.

Calyx

The structure that collects urine from pyramids.

Renal pelvis

Structure that transports urine from calyx to ureters.

Bladder structures

Consists of mucous membrane and smooth muscle.

Internal urethral sphincter

Smooth muscle controlled by the parasympathetic system.

External urethral sphincter

Skeletal muscle controlled by the somatic system.

Regions of nephron

Includes Bowman's capsule, PCT, Loop of Henle, DCT, and the collecting duct.

Bowman's capsule (glomerulus)

Filters blood but does not filter blood cells and proteins.

Proximal convoluted tubule (PCT)

The part of the nephron that reabsorbs 100% glucose.

Loop of Henle

Also known as the nephron loop.

Distal convoluted tubule (DCT)

Reabsorbs $Na^+$ with the help of the hormone aldosterone.

Collecting duct

Reabsorbs water with the help of the hormone ADH.

Afferent arteriole

A small artery traveling towards Bowman's capsule.

Efferent arteriole

A small artery traveling away from Bowman's capsule.

Glomerular capillaries

The capillaries located within Bowman's capsule.

Peritubular capillaries

Capillaries that surround the nephron tubes.

Abnormal urine

Urine that contains blood cells, proteins, or glucose.