Physiology
ANAESTHESIA AND INTENSIVE CARE MEDICINE 10:6 265 © 2009 Elsevier Ltd.
All rights reserved.
The function of the nephron
and the formation of urine
Stephen Kardasz
Abstract
The prime function of the kidney is to excrete nitrogenous waste products...
More
Physiology
ANAESTHESIA AND INTENSIVE CARE MEDICINE 10:6 265 © 2009 Elsevier Ltd.
All rights reserved.
The function of the nephron
and the formation of urine
Stephen Kardasz
Abstract
The prime function of the kidney is to excrete nitrogenous waste products of metabolism while conserving nutrients and maintaining salt and
water homeostasis.
The basic functional unit of the kidney is the nephron.
This article explains the purpose of each portion of the nephron and
the transport systems and hormones involved in the normal function of
the nephron in the formation of urine.
The article includes a discussion
of commonly used drugs that affect nephron function.
Keywords concentration; filtration; nephron; reabsorption; tubule
Introduction
The kidneys have many functions, including regulation of electrolyte balance, regulation of body fluids (osmolarity, volume
and acid–base balance), conservation of useful substances (e.
g.
glucose, amino acids), production and secretion of hormones
(en
Less
