Renal System Overview and Functions

Produces, stores, and excretes urine.

Removal of wastes, excess water, and substances from the blood by the glomerulus in the kidney.

Majority of water, nutrients (glucose, amino acids), and ions are reabsorbed back into the bloodstream in the Proximal Convoluted Tubule.

Descending limb, water reabsorption; ascending limb, ion reabsorption, making filtrate dilute.

Filtration, excretion, electrolyte regulation, maintaining fluid and acid-base balance, blood pressure control, and erythropoietin production.

Secretion of organic acids, drugs, toxins, and H+ in the Proximal Convoluted Tubule.

Kidneys help regulate blood pressure.

Formation of urine, which contains waste, excess water, and other substances to be removed from the body.

Carries oxygenated blood with waste products from the body to the kidney for filtration.

Carries filtered, deoxygenated blood from the kidney back to the heart.

Carries blood into the glomerulus, creating high pressure for filtration.

Carries filtered blood away from the glomerulus.

Outer portion of the kidney; site of blood filtration and contains nephrons' parts

Inner region of the kidney, concentrates urine by reabsorption

Final segment of the nephron, adjusts urine composition and reabsorbs water under ADH influence.

Collects urine from renal pyramids, draining into ureter.

Tube transporting urine from kidney to bladder.

Cup-shaped structures collecting urine, funneling to renal pelvis.

Expandable organ storing urine until excretion.

Tube carrying urine from bladder to outside body.

Infection affecting urinary system, often bladder or kidneys.

95% water, urea, creatinine, uric acid, electrolytes, and dissolved ions.

Proteins (kidney dmg), glucose (diabetes), ketones (diabetes/starvation) or blood cells (infection or injury).

Urine that appears cloudy or has a reddish or pink tint due to the presence of blood. This can be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI).

Urine with a foul or strong odor, which can indicate an infection in the urinary tract.

Pain or pressure felt in the lower abdomen or pelvic area, a common symptom of UTIs.

Solid mineral deposits that form inside the kidneys and can cause pain, blockage, or infection. The size of the stone determines the treatment.

The most common type of kidney stone, formed when calcium combines with oxalate in urine. These stones are often associated with diets high in oxalate-rich foods.

These stones form in alkaline (high pH) urine, often linked to conditions like renal tubular acidosis or certain medications.

Formed when urine is too acidic, often due to high purine levels, which break down into uric acid. These stones are common in people with gout or those on high-protein diets.

Usually associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs), these stones are composed of magnesium, ammonium, and phosphate.

Rare kidney stones formed due to a genetic disorder called cystinuria, where cystine (an amino acid) leaks into urine and forms stones.

Focuses on increasing hydration to dilute urine and reducing sodium intake to minimize cystine in the urine.

Gradual loss of kidney function over time, often caused by conditions like diabetes or hypertension.

May include fatigue, loss of appetite, swelling (especially in feet/ankles), and changes in urination.

Characterized by severe fatigue, confusion, and unintentional weight loss, eventually requiring dialysis.

Sudden decrease in kidney function occurring within hours to days, often due to a specific cause like dehydration, infections, or medications.

Occurs when blood flow to the kidneys is reduced, potentially due to severe dehydration, heart failure, or blood loss.

Blockages, such as kidney stones, enlarged prostate, or tumors, can prevent urine from draining properly, leading to AKI.

Smoking is a major risk factor for bladder cancer because chemicals from cigarette smoke are filtered into the urine, damaging bladder cells.

Recurrent urinary tract infections, bladder stones, or prolonged catheter use can lead to chronic inflammation of the bladder, increasing the risk of bladder cancer.

A genetic disorder where cysts form in the kidneys, potentially causing kidney failure due to obstructed blood flow and filtration.

High blood pressure is one of the earliest signs of PKD because the cysts affect blood flow and hormone regulation in the kidneys.

A kidney disorder characterized by damaged glomeruli, leading to protein leakage into the urine and various symptoms.

Excessive protein in the urine, often making the urine appear foamy.

Fluid retention due to low albumin in the blood, leading to swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, and around the eyes.

High cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, a consequence of the body trying to compensate for low protein levels.