Renal Anatomy Overview

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to renal anatomy, physiology, and urinalysis, aiding in exam preparation.

Urinalysis

The testing and analysis of urine to assess health or diagnose medical conditions.

Retroperitoneal

Referring to organs that are located behind the peritoneum, including the kidneys.

Renal Hilum

The entry point for vessels and nerves into the kidney, where arteries, veins, nerves, and lymphatics pass through.

Renal Fascia

Connective tissue that anchors the kidneys to surrounding structures and the abdominal wall.

Renal Capsule

A tough layer of fibrous connective tissue that encases the kidneys.

Adipose Capsule

A layer of fat surrounding the kidneys that provides protection.

Renal Cortex

The smooth outer layer of the kidney where the renal corpuscles are located.

Renal Medulla

The inner region of the kidney containing renal pyramids and collecting ducts.

Renal Pyramids

Cone-shaped tissues in the renal medulla that are extensions of the cortex.

Renal Papilla

The tip of a renal pyramid where urine exits into the minor calyx.

Papillary ducts

Channels that carry urine from the renal papillae

renal pelvis

collecting area adjacent to the medulla, leading to the ureter

Minor Calyces

Cup-shaped structures that receive urine from the papillary ducts

Major calyces

drain into the renal pelvis

Ureter

A tube that carries urine from the kidneys to the urinary bladder.

Detrusor Muscle

The smooth muscle found in the bladder wall that contracts during urination.

Trigone

A triangular region in the bladder formed by the ureteral openings and internal urethral orifice.

urethra

tube facilitating urine expulsion from the body

internal urethral sphincter

controls the passage of urine into the urethra

external urethral sphincter

controls passage of urine out of the body

Micturition

The process of urinating or expelling urine from the bladder.

Nephron

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

Glomerulus

A cluster of capillaries at the beginning of a nephron that filters blood.

Bowman's Capsule

The cup-like structure surrounding the glomerulus that collects filtrate.

Capsular Space

area between glomerulus and bowman’s capule

Proximal Convoluted Tubule

The segment of the nephron where most reabsorption of nutrients occurs.

Loop of Henle

The U-shaped segment of the nephron that concentrates urine by reabsorbing water and salts.

Descending limb

permeable to water, reabsorbs water by osmosis

ascending limb

impermeable to water, reabsorbs sodium and chloride

Distal Convoluted Tubule

The segment of the nephron that continues to modify filtrate and reabsorb additional substances.

Collecting Ducts

Ducts that collect urine from multiple nephrons and lead to the renal papillae.

Afferent Arteriole

The vessel that carries blood to the glomerulus.

Efferent Arteriole

The vessel that carries blood away from the glomerulus after filtration.

Peritubular Capillary Network

A network of capillaries surrounding the renal tubules for nutrient exchange.

Cortical Nephrons

Nephrons located mainly in the renal cortex with short loops of Henle.

Juxtamedullary Nephrons

Nephrons with long loops that extend into the medulla, important for urine concentration.

ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone)

Hormone that regulates water reabsorption in the kidneys.

Aldosterone

Hormone that increases sodium reabsorption and potassium secretion in the distal tubules.

Glucosuria

The presence of glucose in urine, often associated with diabetes.

Hematuria

Presence of red blood cells in the urine, indicating potential kidney or urinary tract issues.

Pyuria

Presence of white blood cells in urine, typically indicating infection.

Albuminuria

Presence of albumin in urine, suggesting heightened permeability of glomeruli.

Ketonuria

Presence of ketone bodies in urine, indicating fat metabolism or uncontrolled diabetes.

BPH (Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy)

Noncancerous enlargement of the prostate that can obstruct urine flow.

Specific Gravity

A measure of urine concentration, indicating hydration status and solute concentration.