A description of the renal system

Type :

Term papers

Pages :

6 pages

Format :

.doc

Published date :

07/15/2009

Category :

Science & technology

Sub category :

Medical studies

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Summary :

Introduction
Features of the kidneys
Ureters
Bladder
Urethra
The Micro-structure of a kidney
Regulation of the Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)
The role of the loop of henle
Regulation of water reabsorption
Conclusion
Bibliography

Abstract

Kidneys are complex organs; they perform three vital, life-sustaining functions: They clean waste materials and extra fluids from the body, they also filter the blood and maintain normal body chemistry, and they regulate blood pressure and the production of red blood cells.

The kidneys are two bean shaped organs that lie on either side of the vertebral column below the diaphragm and liver. A fibrous capsule encases the kidney, this is known as the renal capsule. (Foster & Smith 2005) The renal capsule provides an impermeable barrier to infections of the kidney surface. This is the first of three protective layers around the kidneys. Outside the renal capsule is a middle layer of fat, this is called the adipose capsule. The fat tissue of the capsule helps cushion the kidney against blows. Outside the adipose capsule is the renal fascia, the fascia is composed of dense fibrous connective tissue that helps to protect the kidney whilst anchoring it to the nearby tissues. (Alcamo 1997)

Each adult kidney weighs about 160g and is about 11cms long, 5 - 7cms wide and 2.5 cm thick. A kidney each contains about 160km of blood vessels, and more than a million separate lengths of extremely fine tube called kidney tubules, which have a combined length of approximately 60km. The indentation of the bean-shaped organ is known as the hilus. This is the point where the blood vessels, ureter, and nerves enter or exit the kidney. (Becket 1982).