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Medical Terminology: Urinary System Part 2

Anatomy and Physiology20 CardsCreated 2 months ago

This deck covers key terms and concepts related to the urinary system, including processes like filtration and reabsorption, hormones such as ADH and aldosterone, and important electrolytes and waste products.

Define: Filtration

The process where blood is filtered in the kidneys to remove waste products and excess substances, forming urine. The kidneys perform filtration to eliminate toxins from the bloodstream.
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Key Terms

Term
Definition
Define: Filtration
The process where blood is filtered in the kidneys to remove waste products and excess substances, forming urine. The kidneys perform filtration to el...
Define: Reabsorption
The process by which the kidneys reclaim water and essential solutes from the filtrate back into the bloodstream. During reabsorption, glucose and ami...
Define: Secretion
The process of transporting substances from the blood into the renal tubules, contributing to urine formation. Secretion of potassium and hydrogen ion...
Define: Excretion
The elimination of waste products from the body through urine. The body relies on excretion to remove excess salts and toxins.
Define: Glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
A measure of how well the kidneys filter blood, indicating kidney function. A low glomerular filtration rate (GFR) can indicate kidney disease.
Define: Osmoregulation
The process by which the body regulates water and electrolyte balance to maintain homeostasis. Osmoregulation is crucial for maintaining blood pressur...

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TermDefinition
Define: Filtration
The process where blood is filtered in the kidneys to remove waste products and excess substances, forming urine. The kidneys perform filtration to eliminate toxins from the bloodstream.
Define: Reabsorption
The process by which the kidneys reclaim water and essential solutes from the filtrate back into the bloodstream. During reabsorption, glucose and amino acids are returned to the blood after filtration.
Define: Secretion
The process of transporting substances from the blood into the renal tubules, contributing to urine formation. Secretion of potassium and hydrogen ions helps regulate blood pH.
Define: Excretion
The elimination of waste products from the body through urine. The body relies on excretion to remove excess salts and toxins.
Define: Glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
A measure of how well the kidneys filter blood, indicating kidney function. A low glomerular filtration rate (GFR) can indicate kidney disease.
Define: Osmoregulation
The process by which the body regulates water and electrolyte balance to maintain homeostasis. Osmoregulation is crucial for maintaining blood pressure and cellular function.
Define: Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
A hormone that promotes water reabsorption in the kidneys, helping to concentrate urine. Increased levels of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) can lead to decreased urine output.
Define: Aldosterone
A hormone that regulates sodium and potassium levels, influencing blood pressure and fluid balance. Elderly patients with heart failure may have elevated levels of aldosterone.
Define: Renin
An enzyme released by the kidneys that helps regulate blood pressure and fluid balance through the renin-angiotensin system. Renin is secreted in response to low blood pressure or low sodium levels.
Define: Angiotensin
A peptide hormone that constricts blood vessels and increases blood pressure, part of the renin-angiotensin system. Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor that raises blood pressure.
Define: Erythropoietin
A hormone produced by the kidneys that stimulates red blood cell production in the bone marrow. Erythropoietin levels rise in response to low oxygen levels in the blood.
Define: Urea
A waste product formed from the breakdown of proteins, excreted in urine. Urea levels in blood can indicate kidney function.
Define: Uric acid
A waste product formed from the breakdown of purines, excreted in urine, and can form crystals leading to gout. Elevated uric acid levels can cause joint pain and inflammation.
Define: Creatinine
A waste product produced by muscle metabolism, commonly measured to assess kidney function. High creatinine levels can indicate impaired kidney function.
Define: Ammonia
A toxic byproduct of protein metabolism that is converted to urea in the liver and excreted in urine. High levels of ammonia can be harmful and indicate liver dysfunction.
Define: Electrolytes
Minerals in the body that carry an electric charge, essential for various physiological processes, including fluid balance. Electrolytes such as sodium and potassium are crucial for nerve function.
Define: Sodium (Na+)
An essential electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance, blood pressure, and nerve function. Elevated sodium (Na+) levels can lead to hypertension.
Define: Potassium (K+)
An electrolyte vital for heart function, muscle contraction, and nerve signaling. Low potassium (K+) levels can cause muscle weakness and arrhythmias.
Define: Bicarbonate (HCO3-)
A buffer that helps maintain acid-base balance in the body by neutralizing excess acids. Bicarbonate (HCO3-) levels are measured to assess metabolic acidosis or alkalosis.
Define: Acid-base balance
The regulation of the pH levels in the body fluids, essential for normal cellular function. Disruption in acid-base balance can lead to serious health issues.