Renal and Body Fluids Physiology

At the end of this course, the student should be able to: 1. sketch a cross section of a kidney; identify the renal cortex, renal medulla, renal calycies, medullary pyramids, renal pelvic space, renal artery, renal vein, and ureter; 2. describe renal blood flow, renal plasma flow, glomerular filtration rate, and filtration fraction and list typical values; 3. explain the concept of renal clearance. Use the clearance equation and an appropriate compound to estimate the glomerular filtration rate, renal plasma flow, and renal blood flow; 4. describe the effects of reductions in GFR on plasma creatinine concentrations and plot the relationship; 5. discuss the role of the ascending limb of the loop of Henle in producing a high renal interstitial fluid osmolality. From the loop of Henle, contrast the tubular fluid and interstitial fluid osmolality changes that allow either a dilute or a concentrated urine to be produced and excreted; 6. describe processes that lead to acid-base disturbances and list the common causes; 7. identify major routes and normal ranges for water intake and loss, and predict how changes in intake and loss affect the distribution of total body water. 8. list the various body fluid compartments and their ionic compositions 9. describe the methods used in measuring the body fluid compartments and 10. discuss the role of the kidney in maintaining homeostasis of body fluids

Macroscopic, microscopic and ultra-structure of the kidney. Elements of renal functions. Glomerular filtration. Concept of clearance. Tubular reabsorption and secretion. Renal blood flow. Body fluid and electrolyte balance. Buffer mechanism and pH regulation. Counter-current system. Micturition. Abnormalities of renal functions. Composition and estimation of body fluid compartments. Concept of water and electrolyte balance. Role of the kidney in body fluid homeostasis.