Glossary
INTERSTITIAL FLUID
A solution that surrounds tissue cells in multicellular animals. Also called tissue fluid.
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MICROVILLI
Tiny hair-like protrusions in the plasma membrane that increase the surface area of cells.
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MITOCHONDRIA
Small spherical organelles enclosed by two membranes that produces ATP.
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OSMOLARITY
A measure of osmotic concentration of a solution ,expressed in osmoles of solute per litre of solution (Osm/L).
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OSMOSIS
Movement of water through a semi-permeable membrane from a solution of high water potential (low solute potential) to a solution of low water potential (high solute potential).
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PERITUBULAR CAPILLARIES
Tiny blood vessels around the proximal and distal convoluted tubules of the kidney that allows reabsorption and secretion between blood and the lumen of nephron.
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PODOCYTE
An epithelial cell found in visceral layer of renal glomerulus, that attaches to the basement membrane by numerous cytoplasmic footlike projections called pedicels.
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URETER
A tube that carries urine from kidney to urinary bladder.
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URETHRA
A tube that carries urine from the urinary bladder to the outside of the body. In males, urethra carries urine and semen through the penis; in females, urethra carries urine and emerges above vaginal opening.
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Did you know..
More than 2500 pints of blood passes through the kidney each day.
Did you know..
Drinking two or more carbonated drinks a day was linked to a twofold risk of chronic disease.
(From a study published in Epidemiology)
Did you know..
Only mammals and birds have juxtamedullary nephrons. Other vertebrates have nephrons that lack loops of Henle.