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Renal Physiology: Overview definitions Flashcards

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Renal Physiology: Overview definitions
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  • Nephrons

    Functional units of the kidney responsible for filtering blood and forming urine through distinct physiological processes.
  • Glomerular Filtration

    Initial process in urine formation where blood pressure forces water and solutes into the capsular space, forming filtrate.
  • Filtrate

    Fluid formed during glomerular filtration, containing water and solutes forced out of blood into the capsular space.
  • Tubular Reabsorption

    Process of reclaiming essential substances like water, electrolytes, and glucose from filtrate back into the bloodstream.
  • Proximal Tubule

    Part of the nephron where most reabsorption of essential substances from filtrate occurs.
  • Nephron Loop

    Segment of the nephron involved primarily in reabsorption, with no secretion occurring.
  • Distal Tubule

    Nephron segment where both reabsorption and secretion occur, contributing to urine formation.
  • Collecting Duct

    Structure in the nephron where final urine concentration is adjusted through reabsorption and secretion.
  • Tubular Secretion

    Process of transferring substances from the bloodstream into the renal tubule to maintain balance and remove toxins.
  • Electrolyte Balance

    Maintenance of optimal concentrations of ions like sodium and potassium in the body, crucial for cellular function.
  • Acid-Base Balance

    Regulation of pH levels in the body, essential for normal cellular activities and metabolic processes.
  • Renal Corpuscle

    Structure in the nephron where glomerular filtration occurs, consisting of the glomerulus and Bowman's capsule.
  • Capsular Space

    Area within the renal corpuscle where filtrate collects after being forced out of the blood during filtration.
  • Blood-Derived Fluid

    Fluid processed by the kidneys daily, from which filtrate is formed and mostly reabsorbed back into the blood.
  • Urine

    Final excretory product of the kidneys, formed after filtration, reabsorption, and secretion processes.