The Basic Functions of the Kidney

Flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to the basic functions of the kidney as outlined in the lecture notes.

Excretion

The process of filtering blood to remove wastes and foreign substances.

Regulation of blood volume

The kidney's function to maintain a stable blood volume in the body.

Regulation of blood pressure

The kidney's role in controlling blood pressure.

Erythropoietin

A hormone released by the kidneys that stimulates red blood cell production.

Calcitriol

The active form of vitamin D produced by the kidneys that helps regulate calcium and phosphate.

Glomerular filtration

The process by which kidneys filter blood plasma to form urine.

Tubular reabsorption

The process by which the nephron reabsorbs substances from the filtrate back into the bloodstream.

Fenestrated endothelium

A type of endothelium in the glomerulus that allows for filtration of larger molecules.

Podocyte

Cell layer in the glomerulus that helps form the filtration slits.

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR)

The rate at which blood is filtered in the kidneys, typically 125 ml/min.

Active transport

The movement of substances against their concentration gradient, requiring energy.

Osmosis

The movement of water across a membrane from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration.

Aldosterone

A hormone that regulates sodium and potassium levels, influencing blood pressure and fluid balance.

Tubular secretion

The transfer of solutes from the blood into the tubular fluid, helping control blood pH and eliminate substances.

Reabsorption in the PCT

The process by which the proximal convoluted tubule reabsorbs a significant amount of vital nutrients.