Kidney Functions
Primary process by which kidneys remove metabolic wastes and form filtrate from blood
What is filtration
The tuft of capillaries where filtration begins
What is glomerulus
Outer portion of the kidney that contains glomeruli and early tubules
What is renal cortex
Term for urine in which solute levels exceed solubility and crystals form
What is supersaturation
Most common chemical composition of kidney stones
What is calcium oxalate
Hormone produced by kidneys that stimulates red blood cell production
What is Erythropoietin
Nephron segment that reabsorbs 65% of filtered sodium and water and most glucose
What is proximal convoluted tubule
Major cortical function that produces the initial filtrate
What is filtration via glomeruli
Typical symptom of ureteral obstruction by a stone
What is renal colic
Key epidemiologic risk factor caused by low fluid intake leading to higher urine concentration
What is dehydration
Kidney system that helps regulate blood pressure by releasing renin
What is Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System (RAAS)
Nephron loop segment crucial for creating the medullary osmotic gradient
What is Loop of Henle
The cortical tubule where most solute and water reabsorption occurs
What is proximal tubule
Urine sign that may indicate stone-related infection or staghorn calculi
What is persistent bacteriuria
Metabolic/endocrine disorder that increases risk of stone formation via hypercalcemia
What is Hyperparathyroidism
Kidney process that maintains acid–base balance by excreting hydrogen ions and reabsorbing bicarbonate
What is acid–base regulation
Structure that collects urine from multiple nephrons and conducts it toward renal pelvis
What is collecting duct
Reason the cortex is highly susceptible to ischemia
What is it receives most of the renal blood flow
Physiologic consequence of ureteral obstruction causing increased upstream pressure and possible kidney impairment
What is hydronephrosis
Dietary contributor often implicated in calcium oxalate stone formation
What is excessive sodium
Active form of vitamin D produced by the kidney that aids calcium absorption
What is Calcitriol
Capillary network surrounding the loop of Henle that supports countercurrent exchange
What is vasa recta
Two main cortical activities involved in forming final urine before it enters medulla
What is reabsorption and secretion
Acute urinary sign often present with stones that irritate the bladder and/or ureter
What is hematuria
Family history increases stone risk due to this type of predisposition
What is genetic or hereditary predisposition