Kidney physiology

Kidneys are the organs in the body of animals, including humans that serves the function of removing waste products, via the formation of urine.

Urinary system

The urinary system consists of the kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra.

Function of the kidneys

• The kidneys form the urine and account for the other functions attributed to the urinary system.
• The ureters carry the urine away from kidneys to the urinary bladder, which is a temporary reservoir for the urine.
• The urethra is a tubular structure that carries the urine from the urinary bladder to the outside.

Physiology of the kidneys

Each kidney contains over a million functional units, called nephrons, in the renal parenchyma (cortex and medulla).

Nephons

A nephron has two parts: a renal corpuscle and a renal tubule.

Glumerulus

• The renal corpuscle consists of a cluster of capillaries, called the glomerulus, surrounded by a double-layered epithelial cup, called the glomerular capsule.
• An afferent arteriole leads into the renal corpuscle and an efferent arteriole leaves the renal corpuscle.
• Urine passes from the nephrons into collecting ducts then into the minor calyces.

Juxtaglomerular apparatus

The juxtaglomerular apparatus, which monitors blood pressure and secretes renin, is formed from modified cells in the afferent arteriole and the ascending limb of the nephron loop.

Kidney physiology Resources
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