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[edit | edit source]
The urinary system consists of the kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra.
Function of the kidneys[edit | edit source]
- 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[edit | edit source]
Each kidney contains over a million functional units, called nephrons, in the renal parenchyma (cortex and medulla).
Nephons[edit | edit source]
A nephron has two parts: a renal corpuscle and a renal tubule.
Glumerulus[edit | edit source]
- 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[edit | edit source]
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.
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD