Renal Function

C.
1.

2.

Tubular reabsorption
Trans-epithelial process
a.
Mostly transcellular
i.
Cells are tight-junctioned
ii.
Limited paracellular movement
b
Can be active or passive
Na+ movement
a.
Passive into tubule cells from filtrate
b.
Actively transported from tubule cells into interstitial space
i.
Na+/K+ pump
ii.
Creates osmotic gradient
c.
Diffuses from interstitial space into capillary (peritubular)

3.

Water, ions and nutrients

a.
Osmotic gradient created by active transport of Na+

b.
4.

Water flows out along osmotic gradient

i.
Loss of water increases solute concentration
ii.
Concentration gradient then favors the movement of other solutes
Secondary active transport
a.
Na+/K+ pump creates a gradient that favors the movement of Na+ from the lumen into the tubule
b.
Other substances are carried by the same carrier that moves Na+

Process
Active
PCT

Na+
Nutrients

Passive
ClHCO3Urea

Descending Loop of
Henle
Ascending Loop of
Henle
DCT
Collecting Duct

D.
1.
2.

3.

4.
5.

Osmosis (Diffusion)
Water
Water

Na+
ClK+
Na+
Ca2+
Na+, K+, HCO3Cl-, H+

Ca2+
Mg2+
Water
ClWater

Tubular secretion
Movement of unwanted substances from plasma into filtrate
Functions
a.
Dispose of substances not already in filtrate
b.
Eliminate substances that have been reabsorbed by passive processes
i.
Urea and uric acid
c.
Eliminate excess K+
d.
Control blood pH
Occurs primarily in PCT
a.
Drugs
b.
NH4+
c.
H+
DCT
a.
H+
b.
Some drugs
Collecting ducts
a.
Clb.
HCO3c.
NH4+