Physiology 2130 Lecture Notes - Lecture 11: Renal Function, Proximal Tubule, Nephron

• School: Western University
• Department: Physiology
• Course: Physiology 2130
• Professor: Christine Bell

Document Summary

Module #11- renal system, water and electrolyte balance. Renal system includes: kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Functions- regulation of: water balance, electrolyte levels, ph of the blood, arterial pressure. Removes non-essential substances from the plasma (e. g. waste metabolites, excess water, electrolytes) and recover any essential substances (e. g. glucose) Kidneys do not produce water or electrolytes; they conserve them by reducing amount removed from body. Kidney plays a major role in regulating water levels, chemical concentration of the body fluid compartments and ph (acidity) of blood. Elimination of foreign or waste substances is key (e. g. drugs, food additives, and vitamins are eliminated via urination) Also act as endocrine gland that produces hormones or components of hormonal systems such as erythropoietin, renin, vitamin d and stanniocalcin. From outer to inner kidney: renal cortex>renal medulla>calyces>ureter. Renal pyramids contain nephrons (functional units of the kidneys) Nephrons drain through a collecting duct into a calyx.