Overview of the Urinary System and Nephron Function

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the urinary system and nephron function, crucial for understanding renal physiology.

Nephron

The functional unit of the kidney responsible for filtering blood and producing urine.

Renal reabsorption

The process by which valuable substances filtered by the nephron are returned to the bloodstream.

Secretion

The process whereby substances from the bloodstream are transferred into the renal tubule to be excreted.

Osmolarity

A measurement of the concentration of solute particles in a solution, significant in fluid and electrolyte balance in the urinary system.

ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone)

A hormone that promotes water reabsorption in the kidney; released when plasma osmolarity is high or blood pressure is low.

Loop of Henle

A section of the nephron involved in creating a concentration gradient in the kidney, allowing for reabsorption of water and solutes.

Collecting duct

The part of the nephron that collects urine from multiple nephrons and is involved in water reabsorption.

Aqua porins

Water channel proteins that facilitate the reabsorption of water in the kidney.

Counter current exchange

A mechanism in the kidney involving the opposite flow of fluids in the vasa recta and nephron tubules, enhancing reabsorption efficiency.

Aldosterone

A hormone that increases sodium reabsorption in the kidneys and is released when blood pressure is low.