The Functional Units of the Kidneys
The nephron is the kidney’s functioning unit: a coiled renal tubule and a peritubular capillary vascular network make up this structure. The tubule is made up of many areas, each of which has a specific purpose.
The nephron begins in a bowl-shaped structure called Bowman’s capsule, which contains glomeruli. The Bowman capsule leads to the curved part of the tube, called the proximal curved tube. Then, the tube thinned and straightened along the Henle ring. Then it bends again to form another area called the distal convoluted tubule. The distal tubule drains urine into the collection tube.
Where the Kidneys are Located
The kidneys can be located under the ribs on both sides of the spine. Kidney pain can be felt on both sides or in the middle and upper back areas (usually under the ribs, on the right or left side of the spine).
The Primary Purpose of the Kidneys
Removing toxins from the blood and turning waste into urine are the main functions and purposes of the kidneys.
When does Glucose Appear in the Urine?
When blood sugar levels are elevated due to diabetes, glucose is usually found in the urine. When blood sugar levels are high enough, diabetes is caused by a person’s kidneys. (Jewell, 2020)
The Renal Hormones and Their Purpose
The kidneys produce two main hormones, vitamin D, which is necessary for various body functions and stimulates calcium absorption from food. The second hormone is prostaglandin, a hormone-like substance made from lipids (fats). This substance stimulates the production of renin, which creates an opportunity of controlling blood pressure (You and Your Hormones. 2019).
Why is Vitamin D Necessary?
The body is in need of vitamin D in order to absorb calcium and promote bone growth. Due to a lack of vitamin D, children’s bones become soft, which is named “rickets,” while adults’ ones become brittle and deformed, which is named “osteomalacia.” (WebMd, n.d.)
The Role of ADH
ADH regulates and constantly balances the amount of water in the blood. Higher water concentration will increase blood volume and blood pressure. Osmosis sensors and baroreceptors work with ADH to maintain water exchange (Rice, 2018).
Which Test is the Best Indicator of Functioning Renal Tissue?
Several clinical laboratory tests can be used to check and evaluate kidney function. Clinically, the most practical way to assess kidney function is to assess the glomerular filtration rate and check for proteinuria or albuminuria (NCBI, n.d.).
Why do Some Diuretics Cause Hypokalemia, and some Cause Hyperkalemia?
Because loop and thiazide diuretics increase the delivery of sodium to the distal end of the distal tubules, they increase potassium loss, leading to hypokalemia (Klabunde, 2017). Potassium-sparing diuretics can cause hyperkalemia based on their effects on the electrolytes in the renal tubules, leading to elevated serum potassium, especially in patients with renal insufficiency or when used with other active substances.
Obstructive Uropathy?
The obstructive urethral disease is a disease in which the flow of urine is blocked, urine is lost, and one or two kidneys are damaged.
The Most Serious Consequences of Urinary Tract Obstruction
The most serious consequences might be harmful to the kidney, the appearance of the stones in it, and infections (Preminger., 2020).
The Basis of a Neurogenic Bladder
Neurogenic bladder is the name of a urinary tract disease for many people who cannot control the bladder due to brain, spinal cord, or nervous system problems. This nerve damage may be caused by multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, or diabetes. People with spina bifida and other spinal problems may also have bladder problems.
What is an OAB?
Overactive bladder (also called OV) causes sudden and frequent urges to urinate that are difficult to control. A person may feel the need for urinating process several times during the day and night and may experience involuntary urination (involuntary incontinence).
The Role of Host Defenses and Virulence in Urinary Tract Infections. Should you Treat an Asymptomatic UTI?
The host’s response to urinary tract infection is directed against bacterial surface antigens and bacterial products. Local reactions may be the most important, marked by the prevention of adhesions and tissue infiltration.
The virulence factors considered important in the pathogenesis of urinary tract infection (UTI) include adhesin (P-fimbriae, some other adhesin resistant to mannose, and type 1 fimbria), aerobactin system, Hemolysin, K capsule, and resistance to serum death. Due to increased resistance to antibiotics, it is important not to treat patients with asymptomatic bacteriuria unless there is evidence of potential benefit. Pregnant women are the individuals that must be investigated for asymptomatic bacteriuria in the first trimester of pregnancy. If the result is positive, the treatment process may start.
Why are there Symptoms with a UTI, and what Causes them?
Urinary tract infections (UTI) takes place when bacteria enter the urinary tract throughout the urethra and start multiplying in the bladder. Although the urinary system is designed to defend against these tiny invaders, this defense sometimes fails. UTI may be caused by some infections: cystitis and urethritis, for instance.
The Difference Between Kidney and Bladder Cancer
There are some significant differences between bladder cancer and kidney cancer. Firstly, kidney cancer occurs in the cortical area of the kidney, which filters blood and produces urine. The other kind of cancer occurs in the renal pelvis.
Are all Types of Oliguria the Same in the Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease?
Types of oliguria are not the same because their three main categories differ in some aspects. They are causes, symptoms, and level of influence on the kidney. For instance, prerenal oliguria is caused due to hypoperfusion of the kidney, while postrenal one results from obstructive urine flow. They are applied to the different progression of kidney disease. (Devarajan, 2021)
The Different Types of Causes of Acute Kidney Injury
There are four main causes of acute kidney injury—firstly, it is the low amount of blood while bleeding due to the human’s dehydration. Secondly, some organ failure may cause a deficit of blood transmission throughout the whole body. Inflammation is the third cause of AKI among citizens of the USA (Mayo Clinic. 2019). Finally, some drugs or medicines, which influence the kidney’s blood supply and its reaction.
How does Chronic Kidney Disease Alter Metabolism?
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is related to many complex harmful changes in physiological and metabolic functions. Those may be deterioration and possible damage of renal function, accumulation of uremic toxins called “uremic,” metabolic acidosis, lipids, and amino acids. They are traditional cardiovascular risk factors, poor prognosis, increased risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality, and possibly other factors, such as inflammation and oxidation related.
Why do Diabetics Develop Nephropathy?
Kidney disease can affect any diabetic patient because it results from damage caused by high blood sugar levels. High blood sugar affects the body’s arteries, and the kidneys filter blood from these arteries.
Are there Changes in Renal Function Associated with Aging?
The elderly find physiological changes in renal function: for example, the elderly are prone to clinical symptoms due to habitual stimulation (Gounden et al., 2021).
What are the Causes Of Glomerulonephritis, and Why Does the Urine Have Blood and Protein?
Glomerulonephritis is damaging to the tiny filters of the kidney, which is named glomerulus. It is usually caused by the immune system’s attack on healthy human tissues.
Protein is usually found in the blood: if a person has kidney problems, protein will enter the urine. Although a small amount of protein is normal, a large amount of protein in the urine may indicate kidney disease.
References
Devarajan, P. (2021). Oliguria: Background, Etiology, Epidemiology. Medscape. Web.
Gounden, V., Bhatt, H., & Jialal, I. (2021). Renal Function Tests (1st ed.). StatPearls Publishing LLC.
Jewell, T. (2020). What Causes Glycosuria and How Is It Treated? Healthline. Web.
Klabunde, R. (2017). CV Pharmacology | Diuretics. Cardiovascular Pharmacology Concepts. Web.
Mayo Clinic. (2019). Mayo Clinic Family Health Book: The Ultimate Home Medical Reference (4th ed.). Mayo Clinic Press.
Preminger, G. M. (2020). Urinary Tract Obstruction. MSD Manual Consumer Version. Web.
Rice, S. C. (2018). Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH) Test. Healthline. Web.
You and Your Hormones. (2019). Kidneys: You and Your Hormones from the Society for Endocrinology. Web.