5.1.2: Excretion Flashcards
(20 cards)
What is kidney failure?
A condition where the kidneys do not filter blood properly, leading to a build-up of waste products.
What are common causes of kidney failure?
- Infection
- High blood pressure
- Genetic conditions
- Physical damage
What structures in the kidneys can be damaged by infections and high blood pressure?
- Tubules
- Podocytes
- Epithelial cells
- Basement membranes of the Bowman’s capsule
What is the glomerular filtration rate (GFR)?
A measure of kidney function, indicating how well the kidneys filter blood.
How is the GFR indirectly measured?
By testing blood for creatinine levels.
What does an increase in blood creatinine levels indicate?
That the kidneys are not filtering properly.
What are the two main treatments for kidney failure?
- Dialysis
- Transplants
What is haemodialysis?
A treatment involving a dialysis machine that filters blood outside the body.
How does haemodialysis work?
Blood passes through a machine where it is filtered against dialysis fluid separated by a partially permeable membrane.
What is the purpose of the dialysis fluid in haemodialysis?
To create a concentration gradient for urea to diffuse out of the blood.
What does peritoneal dialysis utilize?
The peritoneum, the lining of the abdomen, as a natural dialysis membrane.
How is dialysis fluid introduced in peritoneal dialysis?
Using a catheter into the abdomen.
What happens during peritoneal dialysis?
Urea and excess mineral ions move from the blood into the dialysis fluid across the peritoneal membrane.
What is a significant advantage of a kidney transplant over dialysis?
It is considered the best treatment for kidney failure, reducing long-term harmful side effects.
What are the risks associated with kidney transplants?
- Lack of available donors
- Risk of organ rejection
What type of medication must transplant recipients take?
Immunosuppressant drugs.
What is the impact of immunosuppressant drugs on transplant patients?
They make patients more prone to illness.
How long do most transplanted kidneys function effectively?
Around 10 years.
Fill in the blank: The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is affected by _______.
[kidney failure]
True or False: Peritoneal dialysis can be performed while the patient carries on with daily activities.
True
