Kidney Function Flashcards
Roles of the kidney (9)
waste elimination, control blood pressure, regulate RBC production, break down drugs, glucose homeostasis, metabolize hormones, vitamin D synthesis and calcium balance, manage electrolytes, balance pH in the bloodstream
How do the kidneys regulate blood pressure
by releasing renin in response to low kidney perfusion
How do the kidneys regulate RBC production
releases erythropoietin
How do the kidneys regulate the synthesis of vitamin D and balance calcium
kidney dysfunction inactivates vitamin D synthesis, decreasing calcium absorption in the GI tract
How do the kidneys balance pH in the bloodstream
regulate hydrogen and bicarbonate ions
Nephron
basic unit of the kidney, sequence of tubes that conserves the fluid and electrolytes that the body needs
What are nephrons surrounded by
blood vessels where the exchange of fluid and electrolytes occurs between the blood and tubule fluid
What is renal function dependent on
renal perfusion
Glomerular filtration rate
the amount of blood being filtered by the kidneys
What is the GFR an indicator of
renal function
What decreases the GFR
hypotension and hypovolemia
What is the normal GFR
90-120
When does kidney function peak
30 years old
Why does GFR decrease as you age
due to a loss of nephrons and decreased blood flow to the kidneys
What are the signs of an aging kidney
increased BUN, increased creatinine, difficulty responding to fluid overload, accumulation of toxins in the blood
