Several hormones have specific, important roles in regulating kidney function. They act to stimulate or inhibit blood flow. Some of these are endocrine, acting from a distance, whereas others are …

For patients with more severe or end-stage kidney disease, dialysis, or the use of a dialyzer machine to filter the blood and remove toxins when kidney function is decreased, is often indicated. There are …

Learning Objectives By the end of this section, you should be able to: 33.1.1 Describe the structure and function of the renal system. 33.1.2 Name common conditions that affect the renal system.

The Bowman’s or renal capsule, located at one end of each nephron in the cortex of the kidney, is the blood-filtering region of the nephron. The renal pelvis contains a hilium —the concave site in which …

It is the primary force that drives glomerular filtration. Glomerular filtration is the first step in urine formation and constitutes the basic physiologic function of the kidneys. It describes the process of …

Because the kidney filters blood, its network of blood vessels is an important component of its structure and function. The arteries, veins, and nerves that supply the kidney enter and exit at the renal hilum.

Its function is vital for homeostasis of blood volume, blood pressure, and plasma osmolarity. It is regulated by the neuroendocrine system by hormones such as antidiuretic hormone, aldosterone, …

The kidneys help maintain the acid–base balance by excreting hydrogen ions into the urine and reabsorbing bicarbonate from the urine.

Specific hormones and paracrine agents help regulate renal function, blood pressure, and electrolyte balance. Renin–Angiotensin–Aldosterone Mechanism is a complex system that regulates blood …

Proper function of the kidney requires that it receives and adequately filters blood. Reabsorption includes passive diffusion, active transport, and cotransport.