Applied Physiology: Excretory and Digestive Systems

These flashcards cover key concepts, terms, and definitions from the lecture on Applied Physiology, focusing on the excretory and digestive systems.

Intracellular fluids

Fluids found inside the cells, comprising about 40% of body weight.

Plasma

The liquid part of blood, making up 5% of body weight.

Interstitial fluid

Fluid between cells, constituting 15% of body weight.

Erythropoietin

A hormone produced by kidneys to stimulate red blood cell production.

Renin

An enzyme secreted by kidneys that regulates blood pressure.

Glomerulus

A network of capillaries within the kidney where blood filtration occurs.

Nephron

The functional unit of the kidney responsible for urine formation.

Counter-current exchange

A mechanism where two fluids flow in opposite directions to maximize exchange of materials.

Loop of Henle

Part of the nephron that creates a concentration gradient to assist in water reabsorption.

Aldosterone

A hormone that increases sodium reabsorption in the kidneys.

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

A hormone that increases water reabsorption in the kidneys, resulting in concentrated urine.

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR)

The rate at which blood is filtered through the kidneys, approximately 180 L/day.

Acidosis

A condition characterized by a decrease in blood pH.

Alkalosis

A condition characterized by an increase in blood pH.

Digestion

The process of breaking down food into absorbable molecules.

Mastication

The act of chewing, which mechanically breaks down food.

Segmentation

A mixing of chyme in the small intestine that occurs via slow peristaltic waves.

Chylomicrons

Lipids that are packaged for transport in the lymphatic system after digestion.

Intrinsic factor

A protein secreted by stomach lining that is necessary for Vitamin B12 absorption.

Potassium excretion

The process of eliminating potassium from the body, regulated inversely to sodium excretion.