Renal Physiology Flashcards
(5 cards)
What is the main role of the kidneys in water and electrolyte balance?
The kidneys match renal excretion to intake of water and electrolytes to regulate the osmolality and volume of body fluids
What is Glomerular Filtration Rate?
The GFR is a test that assesses how effectively the kidneys are filtering blood, specifically measuring the volume of blood that passes through the glomeruli (the tiny filters in the kidneys) each minute
What are the main functions of the nephron tubules?
The major function of tubules is reabsorption.
What waste products are eliminated through the kidneys?
A human kidney discards the common excretory products like amino acids, ammonia, urea, uric acid
Infants are born with an adult complement of nephrons but physiological development is incomplete with limited filtration and concentration ability until 2 years of age; how would this affect the GFR?
In neonates, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is markedly lower due to:
Immature renal blood flow: At birth, renal perfusion is relatively low because systemic blood pressure is still developing, and the renal vasculature is not fully adapted.
Limited filtration ability: The immature glomeruli have reduced permeability, meaning filtration efficiency is significantly lower than in adults.
Reduced nephron function: Although infants have a normal nephron number, the tubular structures within those nephrons lack full functional capacity, affecting both filtration and reabsorption.
