p. 977. Renal physiology
- Ian KayIan KayAssociate Head of School, School of Healthcare Science, Manchester Metropolitan University
- and Gethin EvansGethin EvansSenior Lecturer, School of Healthcare Science, Manchester Metropolitan University
Abstract
This chapter reviews the vital role of the renal system in the human body, which is the production and elimination of urine. It describes nephron as the functional unit of the kidney that is responsible for the formation of urine and talks about blood plasma that is filtered within the nephrons and substances that are secreted and reabsorbed in the process of urine formation. It also examines the extent of water and sodium loss via urine. This is controlled by the actions of arginine vasopressin, aldosterone, and atrial natriuretic peptide. The chapter highlights the major role that the renal system plays in the regulation of the acid–base balance. It discusses the increase in blood pH that leads to an increase in the quantity of bicarbonate secreted in urine in order to return blood pH to normal.
