Double walled, cup shaped structure that surrounds the glomerulus of each nephron that serves to initiate the filtering of blood
Collection duct
Series of ducts that collect urine from nephrons and move it to renal pelvis
Distal convoluted tubule
Tubule located between loop of Henle and collection tubules that is involved in Ca reabsorption and pH regulation
Excretion
Elimination of undesirable substance from the organism
Glomerulus
Small cluster of capillaries situated within the nephron that initiates the filtering of blood by kidney
Kidney
One of a pair of organs in the dorsal region of the vertebrate abdominal cavity, functioning to maintain proper water and electrolyte balance, regulate acid base concentration, and filter the blood of metabolic wastes and produces urine
Loop of Henley
U shaped portion of a renal tubule formed from between proximal and distal tubules where filtrate is concentrated
Nephron
Basic filtration unit of the kidney including capillaries and a series of ducts or filtration tubules
Peritubular capillaries
Capillaries that surround the tubules of the nephron that are important in reabsorption of molecules from the filtrate
Proximal convulated tubule
Minute reabsorptive canal lined with epithelium cells that receives filtrate from the bowmans capsule and functions in pH regulation and the reabsorption and secretion of various molecules
Renal cortex
Outer layer of kidney that contains portions of renal tubules, is responsible for ultrafiltration and is the site where erythropoietin is produced
Renal artery
Large vessel that arise from descending aorta that provides unfiltered blood to kidney for filtering
Renal capsule
Tough fibrous layer surrounding the kidney that provides protection from trauma and damage
Renal column
Cortical tissue of the kidney found between renal pyramids
Renal hilum
Recessed central fissure of the kidney that provides for blood vessels, nerves and ureter that enter and leave the kidney
Renal medulla
Inner area of kidney that contains nephrons responsible for maintaining Na and water balance of blood
Renal pelvis
Funnel shaped expansion of ureter that collects filtrate from nephrons
Renal pyramid
Cone shaped tissue found in the medulla of the kidney that contain filters and aids in transport of filtrate to ureter
Renal vein
Vessels that drain filtered blood from kidney and empties into inferior vena cava
Ureter
Long, narrow duct or tub that conveys urine from the kidney to the urinary bladder
Urethra
Duct or tube through which urine is discharged from the bladder in most mammals and through which semen is discharged in the male
Urethral sphincter
Striated muscle that serves to constricts the urethra
Urinary Bladder
Sac shaped muscular organ that stores the urine secreted by the kidneys
Urinary system
System that functions to eliminate or excrete metabolic waste and maintain fluid and electrolyte balance