Page 1816 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

a. Thin double-walled capsule that
surrounds the glomerulus
b. Fluid and particles from the blood such
as electrolytes, glucose, amino acids,
and metabolic waste (glomerular
filtrate) are filtered through the
glomerular membrane into a fluid-
filled space in Bowman’s capsule
(Bowman’s space) and then enter the
proximal convoluted tubule (PCT).
9. Tubules
a. The tubules include the PCT, the loop
of Henle, and the distal convoluted
tubule (DCT).
b. The PCT receives filtrate from the
glomerular capsule and reabsorbs
water and electrolytes through active
and passive transport.
c. The descending loop of Henle passively
reabsorbs water from the filtrate.
d. The ascending loop of Henle passively
reabsorbs sodium and chloride from
the filtrate and helps maintain
osmolality.
e. The DCT actively and passively
removes sodium and water.
f. The filtered fluid is converted to urine
in the tubules, and then the urine
moves to the pelvis of the kidney.
g. The urine flows from the pelvis of the
kidneys through the ureters and
empties into the bladder.
B. Functions of kidneys
1. Maintain acid–base balance
2. Excrete end products of body metabolism
3. Control fluid and electrolyte balance
4. Excrete bacterial toxins, water-soluble medications,
and medication metabolites

5. Secrete renin to regulate the blood pressure

(BP) and erythropoietin to stimulate the bone marrow
to produce red blood cells
6. Synthesize vitamin D for calcium absorption and
regulation of the parathyroid hormones
C. Urine production
1. As fluid flows through the tubules, water, electrolytes,
and solutes are reabsorbed, and other solutes such as
creatinine, hydrogen ions, and potassium are

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