Urinary System Control Mechanisms

These flashcards cover key concepts and vocabulary related to the control mechanisms and functions of the urinary system as discussed in the provided lecture notes.

Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)

The amount of filtrate formed by both kidneys in one minute.

Net Filtration Pressure (NFP)

The main controllable factor affecting GFR, which is the difference between the outward and inward pressures during filtration.

Podocyte

Specialized cells in the kidney that form part of the filtration barrier.

Intrinsic Controls

Mechanisms that maintain a relatively constant GFR despite fluctuations in systemic blood pressure.

Myogenic Mechanism

A response of smooth muscle in the afferent arteriole to changes in blood pressure.

Tubuloglomerular Feedback

A mechanism where changes in GFR modify NaCl levels sensed by macula densa cells, affecting NFP and GFR.

Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone Mechanism

A pathway that increases blood pressure by stimulating renin release and subsequent actions of angiotensin II and aldosterone.

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

A hormone that increases water reabsorption in the kidney by inserting aquaporins into the collecting duct membranes.

Counter-current multiplier

A mechanism involving the nephron loop that creates a concentration gradient to drive water reabsorption.

Transitional Epithelium

A type of epithelium that can stretch and is found lining the ureters, bladder, and part of the urethra.