L1 Endocrinal function of Kidney (P1 Mid)

A specialized structure within the kidney that regulates blood pressure and filtration rate. It directly controls the release of renin from the granular cells.

Modified cells lining the distal convoluted tubule (DCT) which monitor the flow rate of fluid in the tubule. Increased NaCl levels in the DCT cause them to release adenosine, leading to vasoconstriction of the afferent arteriole.

Modified smooth muscle cells in the wall of the afferent arteriole that secrete renin. They are stimulated by decreased blood pressure and decreased flow rate in the afferent arteriole.

The specialized capillaries within the Bowman's capsule where filtration occurs.

The efferent arteriole carries filtered blood away from the glomerulus to continue its journey through the kidney.

The kidney's role in removing waste products from the body, including urea, uric acid, creatinine, and foreign compounds like drugs.

The process of generating glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, such as amino acids, during prolonged fasting. The kidney contributes to this process.

The hormone renin, secreted by the juxtaglomerular apparatus, plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure by affecting the volume of blood and salt in the body.

The kidney is a vital organ in red blood cell (RBC) production by secreting the hormone erythropoietin, which stimulates the bone marrow to produce RBCs.

The kidney converts vitamin D into its active form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, which plays a vital role in calcium homeostasis and bone health.

The kidney helps regulate the balance of acids and bases in the body by eliminating acids produced during protein metabolism and maintaining buffer systems.

Prostaglandins, particularly PGE2 and PGI2, are secreted by the kidney and play a local role in regulating glomerular filtration rate and renal blood flow.

The enzyme 1α-hydroxylase converts inactive vitamin D to its active form in the kidney, contributing to calcium homeostasis and bone health.

The functional unit of the kidney, responsible for filtering blood and producing urine. Each kidney contains approximately one million nephrons.

The filtering part of the nephron, composed of a ball of capillaries (glomerulus) surrounded by a cup-like structure (Bowman's capsule).

A highly coiled tube that reabsorbs essential substances from the filtered fluid (filtrate) and secretes waste products back into the filtrate. It is divided into proximal and distal segments.

The highly coiled initial segment of the renal tubule that reabsorbs most of the water, glucose, electrolytes, and amino acids.

The highly coiled, final segment of the renal tubule that plays a role in fine-tuning electrolyte balance and reabsorbing water under hormone control.

A U-shaped loop of the renal tubule that further reabsorbs water and electrolytes, contributing to the concentration of urine.

A specialized region where the distal convoluted tubule contacts the afferent arteriole. It regulates blood pressure through the production of renin.

The outer layer of the kidney, containing the renal corpuscles and convoluted tubules.

The inner layer of the kidney, containing the loop of Henle and collecting ducts.

The funnel-shaped structure in the kidney that collects urine from the collecting ducts and conveys it to the ureter.

A type of nephron with a short loop of Henle that stays mainly within the cortex. Plays a primary role in urine filtration.

A type of nephron with a long loop of Henle that extends deep into the medulla. Plays a significant role in concentrating urine.

A network of small blood vessels surrounding the renal tubules, involved in reabsorbing water and solutes back into the blood.

Specialized blood vessels in the medulla, involved in maintaining the concentration gradient for urine production.

The process of removing waste products and excess fluids from the blood and forming urine.

The ability of the kidney to regulate the volume, composition, and pH of the extracellular fluid (ECF).