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Once the renal artery enters the kidney is divides into the interlobar arteries.  These pass through the gaps between the renal pyramids as the reach the junctions between the cortex and medullar they branch into the arcuate arteries which move over the base of the pyramids.  From these come the interlobular arteries which supply the individual lobules of the cortex.  These arteries then branch many times to supply individual glomeruli.  The capillaries of the glomerulus then rejoin to form one vessel which then forms the [[Peritubular Capillaries - Anatomy & Physiology|peritubular capillaries]] of that nephron.  The interlobular arteries are examples of end arterioles and there are few anastomoses.  Obstruction of one of these arterioles causes ischaemic damage in the kidneys.  This is also potentially the case with the interlobar arteries.
 
Once the renal artery enters the kidney is divides into the interlobar arteries.  These pass through the gaps between the renal pyramids as the reach the junctions between the cortex and medullar they branch into the arcuate arteries which move over the base of the pyramids.  From these come the interlobular arteries which supply the individual lobules of the cortex.  These arteries then branch many times to supply individual glomeruli.  The capillaries of the glomerulus then rejoin to form one vessel which then forms the [[Peritubular Capillaries - Anatomy & Physiology|peritubular capillaries]] of that nephron.  The interlobular arteries are examples of end arterioles and there are few anastomoses.  Obstruction of one of these arterioles causes ischaemic damage in the kidneys.  This is also potentially the case with the interlobar arteries.
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==The Endocrine Function of The Kidney==
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The endocrine function of the kidneys comprises the production and release of two hormones - [[Erythropoiesis - WikiBlood#Regulation|Erythropoietin]] and [[Juxtaglomerular Cells of The Distal Tubule - Renal Physiology #Renin| Renin]] both from the [[Juxtaglomerular Cells of The Distal Tubule - Renal Physiology |juxtaglomerular complexes]].  It is also responsible for the regulation of the [[Calcium Homeostasis - Anatomy & Physiology #Active Vitamin D Synthesis |activation of vitamin D]]
      
==Renal Pathology==
 
==Renal Pathology==
 
The pathology of the kidney is beyond the scope of this section but can be found [[Urinary System - Pathology| here]]
 
The pathology of the kidney is beyond the scope of this section but can be found [[Urinary System - Pathology| here]]
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