Osmoregulation by the kidney

Kidney Functions

Filters blood to remove wastes, regulates osmoregulation, and maintains acid-base balance.

Glomerulus

Capillary network in the kidney modified for filtration; allows plasma to filter into Bowman’s capsule.

Afferent Arteriole

Delivers blood to the nephron for filtration.

Efferent Arteriole

Carries blood away from the glomerulus after filtration.

Filtration

Process in the kidney where blood is filtered to form urine, primarily occurring in the glomerulus.

Reabsorption

Process of reclaiming water and solutes from the renal tubule back into the blood.

Secretion

The process of transferring substances from the blood into the renal tubule, such as K+ and H+.

Excretion

The removal of waste products from the body, specifically through urine.

Osmoregulation

The kidney's role in maintaining salt and water balance in the body.

Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)

Rate at which the kidneys filter blood; influenced by pressure in the glomerulus.

Macula Densa

Specialized cells in the distal tubule that sense flow rate and regulate kidney function.

Secondary Active Transport

Mechanism used for the reabsorption of nutrients, such as glucose, in the kidneys.

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

Hormone that increases water reabsorption in the collecting ducts, resulting in concentrated urine.

Aldosterone

Hormone that promotes sodium reabsorption in the distal tubule, increasing blood pressure.

Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP)

Hormone that promotes sodium excretion and decreases blood pressure.

Diuretics

Medications that increase urine production by affecting sodium and water reabsorption in the kidneys.

Angiotensin II

Hormone that increases blood pressure by causing vasoconstriction and stimulating aldosterone secretion.

Hyponatremia

Condition characterized by low sodium concentration in the blood, often caused by excessive water intake.