Several hormones have specific, important roles in regulating kidney function. They act to stimulate or inhibit blood flow. Some of these are endocrine, acting from a distance, whereas …

Because the kidney filters blood, its network of blood vessels is an important component of its structure and function. The arteries, veins, and nerves that supply the kidney enter and exit at …

Key Points The renal cortex, renal medulla, and renal pelvis are the three main internal regions found in a kidney. Nephrons, masses of tiny tubules, are largely located in the medulla and …

It is the primary force that drives glomerular filtration. Glomerular filtration is the first step in urine formation and constitutes the basic physiologic function of the kidneys. It describes the …

For patients with more severe or end-stage kidney disease, dialysis, or the use of a dialyzer machine to filter the blood and remove toxins when kidney function is decreased, is often …

The kidneys help maintain the acid–base balance by excreting hydrogen ions into the urine and reabsorbing bicarbonate from the urine.

It is the tubular secretion of H+ and NH 4 + from the blood into the tubular fluid that helps to keep blood pH at its normal level—this is also a respiratory process. Urine leaves the kidney though …

Its function is vital for homeostasis of blood volume, blood pressure, and plasma osmolarity. It is regulated by the neuroendocrine system by hormones such as antidiuretic hormone, …

Acute Kidney Failure Acute kidney failure (ā-kūt kĭd-nē fāl-yŭr) is the rapid (less than two days) loss of kidney function. There are many possible causes of acute kidney failure. They include …

Endocrine disorders pose intricate challenges to urinary elimination by affecting the hormonal control mechanisms that govern kidney function and fluid dynamics. Understanding these …