Renal Physiology Overview (Exam 3)

1. Anatomy

urinary system and functions of kidney

anatomy of kidney

functional anatomy of nephron: capsule, DCT, loop, DCT, CD, peritubular capillaries, vasa recta

structure of glomerulus

juxtaglomerular apparatus

2. Filtration

glomerular filtration: pressures, volumes , osmolarities

regulation of GFR: myogenic, reflex, tubuloglomerular

3. Secretion and reabsorption

properties of active and facilitated transport

types of molecules involved in epithelial transport:

pumps (ATPasas), co-transporters, exchangers

relationships between filtration, excretion, secretion and reabsorption

reabsorption of Na+, glucose and water

examples of substances handled differently by kidney (sugars, a.acids, organic ions, inulin)

reabsorption of urea

renal clearance (concentrations, fluxes, rates, see Purple Manual)

4. The nephron: functional roles of different parts, volumes, permeabilities and osmolarities

PCT, constitutive secretion and reabsorption

loop of Henle and vasa recta: role in generation of standing osm. gradient

DCT

collecting duct: regulated water permeability (aquaporins, ADH)

Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system

5. Regulation of water and electrolyte homeostasis

water balance and responses to changes of osmolarity and dehydration

Na+ and K+ metabolism, regulation by aldosterone

Ca²⁺ metabolism, PTH

acid/base balance: body buffers, roles of kidney and respiration