Case 6 Red but not blue

7 important questions on Case 6 Red but not blue

3 layers that cover the kidneys

Renal facial capsule (outer layer, keeps into place)
Perirenal fat capsule
Fibrous capsule (prevents spread of infections)

Which type of capillaries are in the glomerulus

Fenestrated capillaries so large amounts of solute-rich but protein free fluid can pass from the blood into the capsule.

Epithelial cells distal convoluted tubule

Cuboidal cells, almost entirely lack microvilli, thinner than in PCT
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Cells in the collecting duct

Principle cells, with short microvilli (responsible for maintaining the body's water and sodium balance)
Intercalated cells, cuboidal with very much microvilli. (type a and b, role in acid-base balance)

Juxtaglomerular Complex and its cell types

Region where most distal portion of the ascending limb lies against the afferent arteriole, feeding the glomerulus.
Cell types:
- Macula densa: tall, closely packed cells of ascending loop of hence, lies against granular cells of afferent arteriole. It are chemoreceptors that monitor the NaCl content of the filtrate entering the DCT
- Granular Cells: in arteriolar walls, smooth muscle cells with renin. Act as mechanoreceptors that sets blood pressure in afferent arteriole.
- Extraglomerular mesangial cells: between arteriole and tubule cells, have gap junctions, can pass regulatory signals between macular densa and granular cells.

Pressures that drive filtration

- Hydrostatic pressure (Ph) of the blood flowing through the glomerular capillaries, forces fluids through the leaky epithelium, approx. 55 mmHg in favor of filtration.
- Colloid osmotic pressure (Pi) higher inside glomerular capillaries due to the presence of proteins in the plasma, approx. 30 mmHg against filtration
- Hydrostatic fluid pressure (Pfluid) fluid moving into the capsule, approx. 15 mmHg against filtration

NFP = Ph - Pi - Pfluid = 55 - 30 - 15 = 10 mmHg

Glomerular filtration rate

Volume of fluid that filters into Bowman's capsule per unit of time.
125 mL/min or 180 L/day
GFR = Kf x NFP

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