Nephron Structures
PCT
Absorbs most filtrate and glucose, secretes waste into tubular fluid.
Glomerulus
Clump of capillaries that filter blood into filtrate and remove proteins.
Renin
Secreted by granular cells. When Na+ is low, renin acts on Angiotensin in the liver and triggers cascade.
Loop of Henlee
Vasa Recta
Capillary branching off efferent arteriole. Provides blood supply to medulla but doesn't remove salt and urea.
Angiotensin
Turned into Angiotensin 1 in liver, then 2 in lungs. Triggers Aldosterone in adrenal gland.
DCT
Reabsorb some water and salt, regulated by hormones (aldosterone, ADH, ANP, parathyroid). Contain principal and intercalated cells. Release H+
Macula Densa
Patch of sensory cells in nephron loop. When GFR is high, Macula Densa absorbs NaCL and secretes ATP.
Aldosterone
Secreted by adrenal gland. Triggered by low Na+, BP and BV. Kidneys increase Na+ and H2O reabsorption in blood while excreting K+
Podocytes
Epithelial cells in the bowman's capsule. Use pedicels to wrap around capillaries and filter blood. (in the glomerulus)
Juxtaglomerular Cells
AKA Granular cells. Respond to adenosine by constricting afferent arterioles to reduce blood flow and correct high GFR.
Atrial Natriuretic Peptide
Hormone secreted by atria in response to high BP, and BV. Inhibits RAAS and promotes salt loss and diuresis. Increases GFR.
Peritubular Capillaries
Receive blood from the efferent arteriole and return water, electrolytes and nutrients from tubular fluid to blood.
Mesangial Cells
As Macula Densa absorbs NaCL, cells metabolize ATP into adenosine, which stimulates nearby granular cells.
ADH
Inhibits water loss in urine by reabsorbing water to blood via. aquaporin channels. Works with aldosterone to increase blood vol.