KINE 3012 Lecture Notes - Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme, Natriuretic Peptide, Macula Densa
Document Summary
The kidneys are responsible for: fluid and ion homeostasis, waste excretion, drug removal, hormone production, glucose synthesis. 20% of blood flow goes into the kidneys. Remember the two structures: cortex and medulla. The nephron is the functional unit of the kidney. The capillary is referred to as the endothelium whereas the tubules are epithelium in the kidney. Cortical nephrons are located in the outer 2/3 of the cortex. Podocytes are located along the wall of the glomerulus which have villi-like structures that increase surface area. Glomerular filtration rate (gfr) depends on mean arterial pressure if there is an increase in map, gfr will increase. If there is efferent vasoconstriction, gfr will increase as well. If there is an increase in tubule flow (gfr) macula densa secretion occurs which cause afferent arteriole vasoconstriction to decrease gfr. Vasa recta surrounds the loop of henle and removes h2o from the medullary interstitium. Produced by hypothalamus: release is stimulated by osmoreceptors.