Urine Concentration and Dilution

A set of vocabulary flashcards focused on urine concentration and dilution processes in the kidneys.

Water balance

The state where water intake equals water output in the body.

Antidiuresis

A condition where the body produces a small volume of concentrated urine due to low body water volume.

Water diuresis

A condition where the body produces a large volume of dilute urine due to high body water volume.

Plasma osmolality

The concentration of solutes in plasma, which the kidneys help to maintain.

Osmosis

The passive movement of water from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration.

Aquaporins (AQPs)

Channels in the collecting duct that facilitate water reabsorption.

Na⁺ and Cl⁻ reabsorption

The process that contributes to the high interstitial osmolarity in the outer medulla of the kidney.

Urea recycling

The process where urea is absorbed and secreted multiple times to help concentrate urine.

Arginine vasopressin (AVP)

Also known as antidiuretic hormone (ADH), it regulates water reabsorption in the kidneys.

Collecting duct

Part of the nephron where final urine concentration occurs, influenced by AVP.