Kidney

Excretion

The process of getting rid of metabolic waste products, such as those from cellular respiration.

Renal artery

Carries unfiltered blood to the kidneys.

Renal vein

Carries filtered blood away from the kidneys, containing less oxygen and more carbon dioxide.

Ultrafiltration

The first step in filtering blood where blood is pushed at high pressure through the glomerulus.

Nephrons

The functional units of the kidneys responsible for filtering blood and forming urine.

Glomerulus

A network of capillaries that delivers blood for ultrafiltration.

Proximal convoluted tubule

The site of selective reabsorption in the nephron.

Distal convoluted tubule

Part of the nephron that secretes toxins into urine.

Loop of Henle

Functions in osmoregulation by creating a high concentration of solutes in the renal medulla.

Collecting duct

Delivers urine from the nephron to the renal pelvis, allowing for final water reabsorption.

Selective Reabsorption

The process in the proximal convoluted tubule where desired substances are reabsorbed into the blood.

ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone)

A hormone that helps trigger water reabsorption in the kidneys.

Osmoregulation

The regulation of water and solute levels in the body, primarily occurring in the Loop of Henle.

Diaabetes impact on kidneys

Can lead to degeneration of kidney cells.

Kidney treatments

Available options include transplantation and dialysis.

Osmosis in collecting duct

Water moves from the filtrate to capillaries in the collecting duct through osmosis.

Ascending loop of Henle

Impermeable to water and permeable to salt, involving active transport.

Descending loop of Henle

Permeable to water and impermeable to salt, allowing for passive absorption of water.

Effects of dehydration on kidney function

ADH allows the collecting duct to be more permeable, leading to increased water reabsorption.

Hyper hydration effect

Results in less permeability of the collecting duct walls, leading to more frequent urination.