Blood hydrostatic pressure entering the renal corpuscle is
55mmHg, an appropriate pressure for filtration, but it is conflicted
by other pressures. The pressure of the glomerular capsule against
the capillary is 15mmHg, and the blood colloid osmotic pressure
created by proteins in the blood drawing some filtrate back
through the fenestrations is 30mmHg. This leaves the net filtration
pressure at 10mmHg, which is sufficient, but is part of why it is
important that the kidneys help keep blood pressure regulated.
Explain the function of the kidney in
maintaining blood pressure
Low BP - Renin released from kidney
Renin converts angiotensinogen in blood to
angiotensin - causes vasoconstriction
Angiotensin triggers aldosterone release from adrenal gland
Aldosterone causes increased Na+ reabsorption
Higher Na+ (osmolality) causes increased water reabsorption
= Higher blood volume, regulated BP
Vasoconstriction = increased BP
Explain the micturition (expulsion of urine) reflex
Involuntary reflex i.e. babies pee when urge arises
Ability to decide to override reflex is learnt
Bladder fills
Stretch receptors are fired
Made aware of need to urinate
Internal involuntary sphincter relaxes
For urination, the external voluntary sphincter must relax
If not ok to urinate, internal involuntary
sphincter contracts & bladder relaxes
However, stimulus (urine) still present, so stretch
receptors will fire again until micturition is
possible (if ability to decide is developed)
Describe effects of aging on
the urinary system
Nephrons reduced to 1/3 of original amount
with old age so are not as efficient