Countercurrent exchange in the kidney occurs in the nephron, particularly in the loop of Henle and the vasa recta. As filtrate descends through the loop of Henle, water is reabsorbed, concentrating the filtrate, while sodium and chloride ions are actively transported out as it ascends, diluting the filtrate. This creates a concentration gradient in the surrounding interstitial fluid. The vasa recta, which are the blood vessels that supply the kidney, run parallel to the loop of Henle and facilitate the exchange of water and solutes, maintaining the osmotic gradient essential for urine concentration.
A 1cm calculus in the kidney is a fancy way of saying that there is a kidney stone that is a little less than 1/2 an inch in diameter (about the size of a pencil eraser).
The term calculus is a branch of mathematics. A synonym might be differentiation.The term calculus in medicine means a stone (kidney stone, gallstone).
The ureters are the tubes in the human anatomy that conduct urine from the kidneys to the bladder. A calculus is a stone. Hence, a calculus of the ureter is a kidney stone that has formed in a ureter. Please see the link.
DefinitionHyperkalemia is higher-than-normal levels of potassium in the blood.Alternative NamesHigh potassium; Potassium - highCauses, incidence, and risk factorsPotassium is involved in regulating muscle tissue, and is part of digestion, metabolism, and homeostasis (maintaining a balance between the many electrical and chemical processes of the body).Hyperkalemia occurs when the level of potassium in the bloodstream is higher than normal. This may be related to an increase in total body potassium or the excess release of potassium from the cells into the bloodstream.The kidneys normally remove excess potassium from the body. Most cases of hyperkalemia are caused by disorders that reduce the kidneys' ability to get rid of potassium.This may result from disorders such as:Acute kidney failureChronic kidney failureGlomerulonephritisObstructive uropathyRejection of a kidney transplantThe hormone aldosterone regulates kidney removal of sodium and potassium. Lack of aldosterone can result in hyperkalemia with an increase in total body potassium. Addison's diseaseis one disorder that causes reduced aldosterone production.Any time potassium is released from the cells, it may build up in the fluid outside the cells and in the bloodstream. Acidosis leads to the movement of potassium from inside the cells to the fluid outside the cells. Tissue injury can cause the cells to release potassium. Such injury includes:BurnsDisorders that cause blood cells to burst (hemolytic conditions)Gastrointestinal bleedingRhabdomyolysisfrom drugs, alcoholism, coma, or certain infectionsSurgeryTraumatic injuryTumorsIf the kidney is working properly, and there is enough aldosterone, tissue trauma alone rarely leads to hyperkalemia. A normally functioning kidney will remove the excess potassium that has been released from the cells.Increased intake of potassium can cause hyperkalemia if kidney function is poor. Salt substitutes often contain potassium, as do many "low-salt" packaged foods.Hyperkalemia may be caused by medications, including medications that affect kidney function (potassium sparing diuretics, such as spironolactone, amiloride, or triamterene) and potassium supplements (especially intravenous potassium).SymptomsHyperkalemia often has no symptoms. Occasionally, people may have the following symptoms:Irregular heartbeatNauseaSlow, weak, or absent pulseSigns and testsECG may show changes related to hyperkalemiaECG may show potentially dangerous arrhythmias: Heart block that may become a complete heart blockSlower than normal heartbeat (bradycardia) that progressively slowsVentricular fibrillationPulse may be slow or irregularSerum potassiumis highTreatmentCardiac arrest (absent heartbeat) may occur at any time during the treatment of hyperkalemia. Hospitalization and close monitoring are required.ACUTE TREATMENTEmergency treatment is indicated if the potassium is very high, or if severe symptoms are present, including changes in the ECG.The goal of acute treatment is to protect the body from the effects of hyperkalemia. Acute treatment may include:Cation-exchange resin medications, such as sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate) -- to attach to potassium and cause it to be removed from the gastrointestinal tractDialysis -- to reduce total body potassium levels, especially if kidney function is compromisedDiuretic medications (water pills) -- to decrease total body potassiumIntravenous calcium -- to temporarily treat muscle and heart effects of hyperkalemiaIntravenous glucose and insulin -- to reverse severe symptoms long enough to correct the cause of the hyperkalemiaSodium bicarbonate -- to reverse hyperkalemia caused by acidosisLONG-TERM TREATMENTLong-term treatment includes treating the cause of the problem and disorders associated with hyperkalemia.Treatment of chronic renal failure may include:Limiting potassium in the diet, including reducing or stopping potassium supplementsTaking "loop diuretics" to reduce potassium and fluid levels in people with chronic renal failurePeople with kidney failure or a history of hyperkalemia should not use a salt substitute as part of a low-salt diet.Expectations (prognosis)The outcome with this condition varies. In some people, the disorder causes deadly complications, while others tolerate it well.ComplicationsArrhythmiasCardiac arrestChanges in nerve and muscle (neuromuscular) controlCalling your health care providerGo to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have symptoms of hyperkalemia. Emergency symptoms include:Absent or weak heartbeatChanges in breathing patternLoss of consciousnessNauseaWeaknessPreventionTreat disorders that may cause hyperkalemia promptly. Monitor serum potassium if you have one of these conditions.Your doctor should assess your kidney function before and while you take potassium supplements. You should not take these supplements unless you have adequate urine output and kidney function.ReferencesSeifter JL. Potassium disorders. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 118.
The correct diagnosis code for nephrolithiasis is typically N20.0 for calculus of the kidney. The procedure code for nephrolithotomy with calculus removal is commonly 50060 (percutaneous nephrolithotomy) or 50550 (nephrolithotomy). However, specific coding may vary based on the details of the procedure and the coding system used (such as ICD-10 for diagnosis and CPT for procedures), so it's essential to consult the latest coding guidelines for accuracy.
The counter current exchange system in the nephron loop helps to create a concentration gradient in the medulla of the kidney by allowing for the exchange of ions and water between the ascending and descending limbs of the loop. This gradient is essential for the reabsorption of water from the collecting duct, regulating water balance in the body.
The loop of henle (kidney)
Renal countercurrent multiplication is a process in the kidney that involves the loop of Henle, where a concentration gradient is created by reabsorbing water and ions. This process allows the kidney to produce concentrated urine and regulate the body's water and electrolyte balance effectively.
The counter current multiplier mechanism in the kidney helps to create a concentration gradient in the renal medulla by continuously exchanging ions and water between the ascending and descending limbs of the nephron loop. This process allows for the reabsorption of water and solutes, leading to the concentration of urine in the medulla.
because the fluid pressure in the capillaries is higher than that of kidney tubules
I know but it is REALLY hard to explain.
It's pretty complex-ed but I'll explain it to you... YOUR mom eats a kidney fern and soon you will to... It's a disease passed down by your relatives. Your children will suffer as well as your wife. Kidney Fern CURSES YOU!!
There are a lot of different over-the-counter drugs that you should avoid. Basically, you should avoid all of them that state a kidney reaction in the side effects.
A dialysis machine, or other dialysis process, replaces kidney function by filtering nitrogenous wastes from the blood. This exchange works across a special artificial membrane.
Probably. There's everything out there for cats.
NSAIDs carry risk for kidney damage at very high doses, in the elderly and in other at-risk individuals. Tylenol (Acetaminophen) is metabolized by the liver and is not associated with kidney damage. In those with severely damaged kidneys, however, the tylenol dose will need to be decreased.
Simple squamous epithelium is the type of epithelial tissue present in the organs where exchange of substances takes place, such as in the lungs for gas exchange or in the kidney for filtration. This type of tissue is thin and allows for efficient diffusion of substances.