Term | Definition |
aldosterone | hormone that causes the distal convoluted tubule to retain sodium, which leads to the retention of water, resulting in increased blood pressure |
angiotensin | a plasma protein produced when renin is released from the kidney; angiotensin II stimulates the adrenal glands to secrete aldosterone |
antidiuretic hormone | hormone that inhibits diuresis by stimulating the kidneys to conserve water |
Bowman's capusule | two layers of epithelial cells that envelop the glomerulus in an open-ended covering; also called the glomerular capsule |
collecting duct | receives drainage from the distal convoluted tubules of several different nephrons; eventually drains into the minor calyx |
calyx | a cup like structure that collects urine leaving the papilla of the kidney |
detrussor muscle | wall of the bladder |
diuresis | the secretion of large amounts of urine |
glomerulus | cluster of capillaries that are part of the renal corpuscles in the nephrons |
hilum | concave notch on medial side of kidney; where blood vessels, the ureters, and nerves enter and leave the kidney |
loop of Henle | U-shaped portion of the renal tubule |
micturation | urination |
nephrons | the filtration units of the kidney |
peritubular capillaries | network of capillaries surrounding the renal tubules |
renal corpuscles | one of the main components of nephrons, consisting of a glomerulus and Bowman's capsule, that filters blood plasma |
renal cortex | outer region of the kidney; site of urine production |
renal medulla | inner region of the kidney; site of urine collection |
renal tubules | series of tube-like structures within the nephron; where urine is formed |
renin | enzyme released by the kidneys in response to a drop in blood pressure that causes the conversion of angiotensinogen into angiotensin I |
specific gravity | measurement that indicates the amount of solid matter in a liquid |
tubular resorption | process whereby chemicals are removed from filtrate in the renal tubules and returned to the blood |
tubular secretion | process whereby chemicals are added to the filtrate in the renal tubules |
ureters | muscular tubes connecting the renal pelvis of each kidney with the bladder |
urethra | small tube that conveys urine away from the bladder and out of the body |
urinary bladder | collapsible muscular sac that stores urine |