Questions and Answers
What metabolic wastes do the kidneys remove?
Urea, uric acid, ammonia, creatinine
What hormone stimulates red blood cell production?
Erythropoietin
Which hormone is responsible for controlling water reabsorption in the kidneys?
A high GFR indicates that the kidneys are functioning poorly.
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What triggers the activation of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS)?
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The best measure of kidney filtration efficiency is the _____.
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Which of the following is NOT a common symptom of acute glomerulonephritis?
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In kidney dysfunction, what is the term for low urine output?
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Excess potassium in the body can lead to _____ problems.
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What genetic disorder causes cysts in kidney tissue?
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Study Notes
Kidney Function
- Filtration: Essential for removing metabolic wastes such as urea, uric acid, ammonia, and creatinine from the blood.
- Reabsorption: Regulates water and electrolyte balance and maintains acid-base balance by excreting hydrogen ions and reabsorbing bicarbonate.
- Secretion: Involves the secretion of erythropoietin for red blood cell production, activation of vitamin D for calcium absorption, and renin for blood pressure regulation through the RAAS.
Hormones Involved in Kidney Function
- Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH): Secreted by the posterior pituitary to control water reabsorption, resulting in concentrated urine with high levels, and dilute urine with lower levels.
- Aldosterone: Secreted by the adrenal cortex to control sodium and water reabsorption, impacting blood volume and pressure.
Renal Blood Flow and GFR
- Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR): Measures renal blood filtered per time and is the best estimate of kidney function; highly dependent on hydrostatic pressure in glomerular capillaries.
- A high GFR (>90 mL/min) indicates healthy kidney function, while a low GFR (<60 mL/min) signifies potential dysfunction.
- Blood pressure is closely linked to kidney function.
Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS)
- Activated by decreased blood flow or low sodium levels, primarily due to low blood pressure.
- Renin starts the activation of angiotensin (causing vasoconstriction and increasing blood pressure) and aldosterone (increasing sodium and water reabsorption).
Key Lab Indicators of Kidney Function
- GFR: Best measure of kidney filtration efficiency.
- Urine Creatinine Clearance (CrCl): Assesses kidney's ability to clear creatinine from the blood.
- Serum Creatinine: Elevated levels indicate poor kidney function.
- Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): Measures nitrogenous waste in the blood.
Kidney Dysfunction Implications
- Metabolic Waste Accumulation: Leads to uremia, anemia, and confusion.
- Reduced Urine Production: Results in oliguria (low output) or anuria (no output).
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Electrolyte Imbalances:
- Hyperkalemia: Excess potassium can cause cardiac issues.
- Metabolic acidosis: Results from poor hydrogen ion excretion.
- Decreased erythropoietin production leads to anemia.
- Reduced Vitamin D activation can cause hypocalcemia.
Common Renal Diseases
- Pyelonephritis: Bacterial kidney infection, primarily from E. coli, presents with flank pain, fever, chills, and hematuria.
- Acute Glomerulonephritis (AG): Often follows a streptococcal infection, symptoms include edema, oliguria, and dark urine due to hematuria.
- Nephrotic Syndrome: Damage to the glomerulus, often due to diabetes, leads to proteinuria, edema, and hypoalbuminemia.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): Genetic disorder with cysts affecting kidney function, leading to hypertension and kidney stones, symptoms include pain, hematuria, and renal calculi.
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Description
This quiz covers the essential functions of the kidneys, including filtration, reabsorption, and secretion processes. It also delves into the hormones involved in kidney function such as ADH and aldosterone, as well as the importance of GFR in assessing kidney health.
