Renal System and Disorders Lecture Review

This flashcard set covers the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the renal system including the RAAS, hormonal regulation, and renal calculi based on the Week 5 lecture notes.

Ureter

The structure that moves urine from the kidneys to the bladder.

Urethra

The structure that moves urine from the bladder to be expelled from the body during voiding.

Nephron

The smallest functional unit of the kidneys, with approximately 1 million located in each kidney.

Glomerulus

A network of capillaries that forms the interface between the blood and the renal system within the Bowman's capsule.

Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)

The measure of how much fluid is entering the glomerulus, which must be tightly regulated.

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

A hormone that inserts aquaporins into the tubules and collecting ducts to allow more water to be reabsorbed back into the blood.

Aldosterone

A hormone that acts on sodium ($Na^+$) and potassium ($K^+$) to regulate urine composition and fluid balance; water follows these electrolytes via osmosis.

Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System (RAAS)

A homeostatic control mechanism involving the kidneys, liver, and lungs used to increase blood volume, blood pressure, and renal perfusion.

Angiotensin II

A powerful vasoconstrictor that increases blood pressure and stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete antidiuretic hormone.

Dysuria

Difficult, painful, or burning urination.

Flank Pain

Pain located in the lower back and sides just above the hips, commonly where the kidneys are situated.

Micro-hematuria

The presence of red blood cells in the urine, which can be a sign of renal disorders.

Nephrolithiasis

The medical term for the formation of kidney stones or renal calculus.

Calcium Stones

The most common type of kidney stone constituent.

Colic

A pain syndrome, often called renal colic, caused by distension or acute obstruction by stones in the renal pelvis or ureter.

Nidus (Transcript: 'needs')

The beginning bit or 'seed' of a stone, representing a point where mineral deposits begin to crystallize.

Chelation Therapy

A treatment giving a substance like citrate that binds with calcium in solution to make it more soluble and prevent precipitation into solid stones.

Hyperoxaluria

A condition with elevated levels of oxalate in the urine, which binds to calcium and increases the risk of kidney stones.

BPH (Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy)

A condition where an enlarged prostate compresses the bladder, potentially leading to urinary tract obstruction.