Kidney Functions and Nephron Anatomy

Evaluating Renal Function

• The primary method of evaluating renal function is by measuring the glomerular filtration rate (GFR).

Hormones and Kidney Function

• Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) acts on the cells of the collecting ducts in the kidneys to increase water reabsorption.

Osmolality

• The physical property of a solution based on the concentration of solutes per kilogram of solvent is osmolality.

Plasma Osmolality

• When individuals consume more fluids in response to increased blood osmolality, the osmolality of plasma decreases.

Glomerulus Function

• The main function of the glomerulus in the nephron is to filter the blood and produce a filtrate.

Tubular Reabsorption

• The following substances are returned to the body during tubular reabsorption: glucose, amino acids, and electrolytes.

Hormones and Ion Regulation

• Parathyroid hormone (PTH) promotes tubular reabsorption of calcium and phosphate excretion in the kidneys.
• Aldosterone promotes sodium reabsorption in the nephron.

Erythropoietin Function

• The primary function of erythropoietin produced by the kidneys is to stimulate the production of red blood cells.

Renin's Role

• Renin, an enzyme produced by the kidneys, helps to regulate blood pressure by stimulating the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.