Urinary System Overview

A type of diuretic that acts on the loop of Henle in the kidneys. They are effective at removing fluid and can be used to treat conditions like edema and hypercalcemia.

The entry point of blood into the glomerulus through an arteriole.

The process of removing waste and excess water from the blood.

Diuretics that reduce the production of aqueous humor in the eye, lowering intraocular pressure and treating glaucoma.

The process of returning essential substances from the kidneys to the blood.

A state where diuretics fail to produce the desired reduction in fluid despite a full dose.

The process of adding waste products to the urine.

Low potassium levels in the blood. A common side effect of many diuretics.

Low sodium levels in the blood, a side effect of all diuretics.

Small molecules and fluid in the glomerulus that are filtered out.

The portion of the nephron where filtration occurs.

The process of regulating fluid, electrolytes, pH, and blood pressure.

The removal of metabolic waste products, toxins, and drugs.

The process by which the kidneys remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood, forming urine.

A microscopic structure within the kidney responsible for filtering blood and producing urine.

A cup-shaped structure that surrounds the glomerulus and collects the filtered fluid.

The first part of the nephron tubule where significant reabsorption of water and nutrients occurs.

The U-shaped loop in the nephron where further reabsorption of water and nutrients occurs, concentrating the filtrate.

The part of the nephron tubule distal to the Loop of Henle, where further reabsorption and secretion processes refine the filtrate.

The final segment of the nephron, where urine is collected and transported to the ureters.

These diuretics exert their effect on the proximal convoluted tubule, specifically affecting the reabsorption of sodium and water.

Examples include mannitol and glycerol. They work by increasing the osmotic pressure in the tubule, reducing water reabsorption.

These diuretics, such as thiazides and hydrochlorothiazide, act primarily on the distal convoluted tubule. They block the reabsorption of sodium and chloride.

These diuretics, such as spironolactone, amiloride, and triamterene, act on the collecting duct. They work by blocking the reabsorption of sodium and promoting the excretion of potassium.

Diuretics are primarily used for managing hypertension and edema, which is fluid buildup in the body.

Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic used to treat heart failure, while thiazides are used to prevent kidney stones and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus.

The process where water, nutrients, and other substances are moved from the filtrate back into the bloodstream.

The descending loop of Henle is responsible for reabsorbing water from the filtrate, concentrating the urine.

The ascending loop of Henle reabsorbs sodium and chloride ions, making the urine less concentrated.

The process where substances are moved from the bloodstream into the filtrate within the tubules.

Drugs that increase urine production by interfering with sodium reabsorption in the kidneys.