Renal Physiology

Abstract

The kidneys do an exceptional job at maintaining fluid and electrolyte homeostasis throughout a range of different physiological conditions. An understanding of this is important, both for the GSSE, but also in a wider clinical context.

The human body is made up of 70% water, the distribution of this water into different compartments is first considered in this chapter.

Next we take a journey through the nephron, looking at how individual solutes are handled from Bowman’s capsule to the collecting ducts.

Renal blood flow is integral to the function of the kidney. It is controlled over a range of blood pressures. The measurement and control of this blood flow as well as glomerular filtration rate are discussed.

Lastly, the critical role that the kidney plays in acid base control in the body is considered. Discussing the handling of hydrogen and bicarbonate in the nephron helps to give an overview of this process.

Short answer questions at the beginning of each section help to test understanding of key topics.