3 key players

Chapter 22: Metabolism and Renal Physiology

Overview of Lecture Structure

• The week includes a mix of lecture content and practical lab exercises.

• Important to communicate with the instructor regarding any discrepancies in deadlines related to assignments or tests due to lecture content coverage.

Deadlines and Assessments

• Deadlines can be adjusted if topics are not covered in time.

• Students encouraged to email the instructor regarding lab reports or assignments if more time is needed.

• A quiz on renal physiology will occur on Thursday, focusing on urine production processes and filtration.

Important Dates for the Semester

• Test Three and Exam B are scheduled on consecutive Thursdays in week 17 and week 18, around May 15.

• Only one class in finals week, planned for Thursday at 8 AM.

• Encouraged to address scheduling conflicts directly with the instructor well in advance.

• Reminder: Get all mastering or Canvas assignments completed by the end of week 17, as there are strict deadlines for grade submissions afterward.

Key Concepts in Renal Physiology

• Osmotic Gradient: Critical to understanding urine concentration; the gradient increases from 300 to 1200.

  • Key Players:

  • Long nephron loops: Create the osmotic gradient.

  • Vasa recta: Maintain the gradient.

  • Collecting duct: Utilize the gradient to adjust urine composition.

Countercurrent Multiplier System

• Countercurrent: The flow of fluid in opposite directions.

• Multiplier: Refers to the effect of the limbs enhancing each other's functions.

  • Descending Limb: Permeable to water, which can move out into the interstitium, making the filtrate more concentrated.

  • Ascending Limb: Impermeable to water but actively pumps out