Learning Objectives By the end of this section, you will be able to: It is vital that the flow of blood through the kidney be at a suitable rate to allow for filtration. This rate determines how much solute is…

Learning Objectives By the end of this section, you will be able to: With up to 180 liters per day passing through the nephrons of the kidney, it is quite obvious that most of that fluid and its contents must…

Learning Objectives By the end of this section, you will be able to: Having reviewed the anatomy and microanatomy of the urinary system, now is the time to focus on the physiology. You will discover that different parts of the…

Learning Objectives By the end of this section, you will be able to: The renal structures that conduct the essential work of the kidney cannot be seen by the naked eye. Only a light or electron microscope can reveal these…

Learning Objectives By the end of this section, you will be able to: The kidneys lie on either side of the spine in the retroperitoneal space between the parietal peritoneum and the posterior abdominal wall, well protected by muscle, fat,…

Learning Objectives By the end of this section, you will be able to: Rather than start with urine formation, this section will start with urine excretion. Urine is a fluid of variable composition that requires specialized structures to remove it…

Urine Volumes Volume condition Volume Causes Normal 1–2 L/day Polyuria >2.5 L/day Diabetes mellitus; diabetes insipidus; excess caffeine or alcohol; kidney disease; certain drugs, such as diuretics; sickle cell anemia; excessive water intake Oliguria 300–500 mL/day Dehydration; blood loss; diarrhea;…

Figure 25.1 Sewage Treatment Plant (credit: “thekirbster”) CHAPTER OBJECTIVES After studying this chapter, you will be able to: The urinary system has roles you may be well aware of: cleansing the blood and ridding the body of wastes probably come to mind. However,…