NURSING 3PA2 Lecture Notes - Lecture 12: Macula Densa, Mechanoreceptor, Posterior Pituitary
Document Summary
The role of renin and aldosterone, how their release is managed. Renin is an enzyme that is secreted by the kidneys to assist in maintaining the body"s balance of fluid and electrolytes. Renin function is to restore normal blood pressure, by increasing filtration rates of water and solutes in the kidney tubules, so that filtration proceeds in proper balance. The kidneys, in response to exercise, stress, or a drop in bp release renin. This enzyme is part of the renin-angiotensin system, which regulates blood pressure. When renin enters the blood stream it interacts with angiotensinogen, which (1) causes the contraction of the arterioles (to bring up the bp by decreasing vessel size and increasing resistance) and (2) increases aldosterone production (which will retain sodium). **variations in renin levels can be caused by a variety of factors, from a high-salt diet to conditions such as cushing"s disease.
