Final Exam

Homeostasis

The maintenance of stable internal conditions in the body despite external changes.

Nephron

The functional unit of the kidney that filters blood and forms urine.

Glomerulus

A capillary network within the renal corpuscle where blood filtration occurs.

Renal cortex

The outer layer of the kidney, containing glomeruli and convoluted tubules.

Proximal convoluted tubule (PCT)

The segment of the nephron that reabsorbs nutrients and minerals such as water, glucose, and sodium.

Loop of Henle

U-shaped part of the nephron that helps concentrate urine by selectively reabsorbing water and salts.

Distal convoluted tubule (DCT)

The nephron segment where hormone-regulated ion balance occurs, notably by aldosterone promoting sodium reabsorption.

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR)

The amount of filtrate formed by the kidneys each minute, about 125 mL/min.

Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS)

A hormonal system that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance.

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

Hormone that increases water reabsorption in the kidneys, leading to more concentrated urine.

Urinary bladder

An organ that temporarily stores urine before it is excreted from the body.

Detrusor muscle

Smooth muscle of the bladder that contracts to release urine.

Ureter

Muscular tubes that transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder.

Micturition

The process of urination, involving the contraction of the detrusor muscle and relaxation of sphincters.

Trigone

The triangular area in the bladder formed by the openings of the ureters and urethra.

Collecting duct

Last part of the nephron where final urine concentration is determined by water reabsorption.

Electrolytes

Minerals in the body that carry an electric charge, crucial for maintaining homeostasis.

Kidneys

Organs that filter blood, remove wastes, and regulate body fluids and electrolytes.

Urea

A waste product formed in the liver, filtered and excreted in urine.

Erythropoietin (EPO)

Hormone released by the kidneys that stimulates red blood cell production.