Physiology · MU Sofia

60. Renal functions. Functional morphology and blood supply to the kidneys. Major processes of urine formation. Glomerular filtration.

Covers the four main renal functions, the structure of the cortex and medulla with nephron types, and the blood supply from the renal artery through the glomerular and peritubular capillaries. It then outlines the three steps of urine formation and explains glomerular filtration, including the filtration barrier, net filtration pressure, the GFR equation and the factors that alter it. The note closes with intrinsic regulation of GFR and a set of recap questions.

Inside: 13 sections · 6 labelled pictures · 18 flashcards · 5 min

Topic 59 of 104 in the MU Sofia syllabus for Physiology (Dental Medicine, Year 2). The free AceMed note covers it in 13 sections, about 633 words (5 min of reading), with 18 flashcards.

In this note

  1. Renal functions. Functional morphology and blood supply to the kidneys. Major processes of urine formation. Glomerular filtration.
  2. Renal Functions-
  3. Functional Morphology and Blood Supply
  4. Kidney Structure-
  5. Nephrons
  6. Blood Supply-
  7. Major Processes of Urine Formation-
  8. Glomerular Filtration-
  9. Glomerular Filtration Barrier
  10. Determinants of Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)
  11. Factors Affecting GFR-
  12. Intrinsic Regulation of GFR-
  13. Recap Questions

Renal Functions-

The kidneys perform four crucial functions:-

  • Excretory: Eliminate waste products like urea, uric acid, creatinine, and excess ions (Na+, H+, K+) through urine.
  • Homeostatic: Maintain a stable internal environment by regulating the volume and composition of body fluids, including electrolyte balance and blood pH.
  • Endocrine: Synthesize and secrete hormones like renin (regulates blood pressure), erythropoietin (stimulates red blood cell production), and activate vitamin D3.
  • Metabolic: Contribute to glucose regulation and amino acid metabolism.

Kidney Structure-

  • Cortex (outer layer): Contains glomeruli, proximal and distal convoluted tubules, and the beginning of collecting ducts.
  • Medulla (inner layer): Contains loops of Henle, collecting ducts, and the vasa recta.
  • Renal pyramids: Subdivisions of the medulla, separated by renal columns, and containing nephrons (functional units of the kidney).
  • Calyces: Collecting structures that drain urine from the pyramids into the renal pelvis and then the ureter.

Nephrons

  • Cortical nephrons: Located mainly in the cortex, responsible for solute reabsorption.
  • Juxtamedullary nephrons: Located near the corticomedullary border, have longer loops of Henle, and play a key role in concentrating urine.

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