HCR 240 Week 12 - Nephrology and Urology

Flashcards covering key concepts from Week 12 lecture on Nephrology and Urology.

Nephrology

The study of kidneys and kidney-related diseases.

Urology

The study of the bladder and bladder-related diseases.

Nephron

The functional unit of the kidney that produces urine by filtering plasma through the glomerulus.

Glomerulus

A network of capillaries involved in the filtration of blood to form urine.

Micturition Reflex

The reflex that triggers the urge to urinate, controlled by sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve fibers.

Urinary Tract Obstruction

Interference with the flow of urine at any site along the urinary tract.

Hydronephrosis

Dilation of the renal pelvis due to an obstruction that obstructs urine flow.

Kidney Stones

Solid masses of crystals, proteins, or mineral salts that form in the urinary tract.

Cystitis

Inflammation or infection of the bladder, typically caused by bacteria.

Pyelonephritis

Infection of the upper urinary tract, including the ureters, renal pelvis, and kidneys.

Glomerulonephritis

Inflammation of the glomerulus that leads to decreased glomerular filtration rate.

Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome

Acute disorder characterized by hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and renal impairment.

Wilms Tumor

A malignant embryonal tumor of the kidney, also known as nephroblastoma.

Acute Kidney Injury

Sudden decline in kidney function, clinically measured by decreased GFR and increased serum creatinine.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Progressive loss of renal function typically caused by underlying systemic diseases.

Renal Failure

Condition where kidney function becomes impaired, categorized as acute or chronic.