Lecture on Renal System and Kidney Anatomy

A collection of vocabulary flashcards based on key concepts and terminology from the renal system and kidney anatomy lecture.

Nephron

The functional unit of the kidney where filtration occurs.

Glomerulus

A cluster of capillaries in the nephron covered by Bowman’s capsule that serves as the filtering unit.

Renin

An enzyme released by the kidneys in response to low blood pressure, leading to the production of angiotensin.

Bowman’s Capsule

The sac-like structure that encases the glomerulus in the nephron.

Proximal Tubule

Part of the nephron that exchanges hydrogen ions and bicarbonate.

Loop of Henle

Structure of the nephron that reabsorbs water.

Distal Tubule

Part of the nephron where aldosterone acts to retain water and lose potassium.

Collecting Duct

The part of the nephron that transports urine to the bladder.

Ureter

Tubes connecting the kidneys to the bladder that conduct urine.

Urethra

The single tube that allows urine to pass out of the body.

Erythropoietin

A hormone produced by the kidneys that stimulates red blood cell production.

Oliguria

Urine output less than 400 mL per day.

Anuria

Absence of urine production (less than 50 mL in 24 hours).

Glomerulonephritis

Inflammation of the glomeruli in the kidneys, often following an infection.

Cystitis

Inflammation of the bladder.

Urosepsis

Sepsis that arises from a urinary tract infection.

Pyelonephritis

Kidney infection, affecting the renal pelvis.

Hematuria

Presence of blood in urine.

Creatinine Clearance

A test to measure the kidneys’ ability to filter creatinine from the blood.

Dialysis

A medical procedure to remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood when kidneys fail.

BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)

Non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland.

Acidosis

A condition in which body fluids contain too much acid; occurs in kidney failure.

Azotemia

An excess of nitrogenous waste products in the blood.

Metabolic Acidosis

A condition where the body produces excess acid or the kidneys are not removing enough acid from the body.