Chapter 50:

Introduction to the Renal System

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 Role of the Kidneys

Influence blood pressure control

Release renin to activate the reninangiotensin system
Leads to increased blood pressure and volume
Increased blood flow to the kidney
Can lead to water retention or excretion

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 Components of the Renal System

Kidneys
Organs of the Urinary Tract
Ureters
Urinary bladder
Urethra

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 Major Functions of the Renal System

Maintaining the volume and composition of body fluids

within normal ranges
Regulating vitamin D activation
Regulating blood pressure through the reninangiotensin
system
Regulating red blood cell production through the
production and secretion of erythropoietin

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The Kidney and Organs of the Urinary
Tract

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 The Nephron

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 Components of the Nephron

Bowmans Capsule
Ascending Loop of Henle
Distal Convoluted Tubule
Collecting Ducts
Renal Pelvises

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 Processes Involved in the Functioning of
the Nephrons

Glomerular Filtration
Straining fluid into the nephron
Tubular Secretion
Actively removing components from the capillary
system and depositing them into the tubule
Tubular Reabsorption
Removing components from the tubule to return
them to the capillary system and circulation

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 Maintenance of Volume and Composition
of Body Fluids

The kidneys regulate the composition of body fluids by

balancing the levels of the key electrolytes.
They secrete or absorb these electrolytes to maintain the
desired level within the body.
The volume of body fluids is controlled by diluting or
concentrating the urine.

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 Sodium Regulation

Body major cations

Filters through the glomerulus and enters the renal
tubule, then is actively reabsorbed in the proximal
convoluted tubule to the peritubular capillaries
As sodium is actively moved out of the filtrate it takes
chloride ions and water with it
This occurs by passive diffusion as the body maintains
the osmotic and electrical balance on both sides of the
tubule

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 Aldosterone

Influences the sodium levels

Is a hormone produced in the adrenal gland
Is released into the circulation in response to high
potassium levels, sympathetic stimulation, or angiotensin
III
Stimulates the sodium-potassium exchange pump in the
cells of the distal tubule

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 Countercurrent Mechanism

It further regulates sodium absorption in the medullary

nephrons in the loop of Henle.
Sodium is actively reabsorbed into the surrounding
peritubular tissues, and water flows out of the tubule into
this sodium rich tissue to maintain osmotic balance.
The filter at the end of the descending loop of Henle is
concentrated in comparison to the rest of the filtrate.

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 Factors Stimulating Release of ADH

Falling Blood Volume

Sympathetic Stimulation
Rising Sodium Levels

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 Antidiuretic Hormone

Produced by the Hypothalamus

Stored in the Posterior Pituitary Gland
Important in Maintaining Fluid Balance

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 Carbonic Anhydrase

Catalyst that influences the sodium reabsorption

Allows carbon dioxide and water to combine
This combination forms carbonic acid

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 Chloride Regulation

Chloride is an important negatively charged ion that

helps to maintain electrical neutrality with the movement
of cations across the cell membrane.
Chloride is primarily reabsorbed in the loop of Henle,
where it promotes the movement of sodium out of the
cell.

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 Potassium Regulation

Potassium is another cation that is vital to proper

functioning of the nervous system, muscles, and cell
membranes.
About 65% of the potassium that is filtered at the
glomerulus is reabsorbed at Bowmans capsule and the
proximal convoluted tubule.
Another 25% to 30% is reabsorbed in the ascending loop of
Henle.
If potassium levels are very high the retention of sodium
exchange for potassium also leads to a retention of water
and a dilution of blood volume.

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 Regulation of Vitamin D Activation

The absorption of calcium from the gastrointestinal (GI)

tract is regulated by vitamin D.
Vitamin D must be activated in the kidneys to a form that
promotes calcium absorption.
Once absorbed, calcium levels are maintained within a
very tight range by parathyroid hormone (PTH) and
calcitonin.

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 Functions of Calcium

Absorption of calcium from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract

is regulated by vitamin D ingested as part of the diet.
The vitamin then must be activated in the kidneys to a
form that will promote calcium absorption for the
following
Muscle Function
Blood Clotting
Bone Formation
Contraction of Cell Membranes
Muscle Movement

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Nephrons and Points of Regulation

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 Question

Please answer the following statement as true or false.

The bodys mechanism for controlling the volume of body

fluid is by diluting or concentrating the urine.

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 Answer

True

Rationale: The volume of body fluids is controlled by

diluting or concentrating the urine.

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ReninAngiotensin System

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 Question

Vitamin D plays an important part in the absorption of

calcium by the body. Where is vitamin D activated into a
form that promotes calcium absorption?
A. Small intestine
B. Vitamin D is not activated into another form
C. Kidneys
D. Large intestine

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 Answer

C. Kidneys

Rationale: Vitamin D must be activated in the kidneys to

a form that promotes calcium absorption.

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