Anatomy and Physiology

electrolyte

mineral salt of the body that carries an electrical charge and regulates nerve impulses, muscle contraction, hydration, and blood pH

filtrate

fluid that passes from the blood through the capillary walls of the glomeruli into Bowman capsule

nitrogenous waste

product of protein metabolism that includes urea, uric acid, creatine, creatinine, and ammonia

peristaltic wave

sequence of rhythmic contractions of smooth muscles of a hollow organ to force material forward and prevent backflow

peritoneum

serous membrane that lines that abdominopelvic cavity and covers most of the organs within the cavity

pH

symbol that represents the alkalinity or acidity of a solution

plasma

liquid portion of blood that is filtered by the nephrons to remove dissolved wastes