KIDNEY MEDULLA Meaning and
Definition
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The kidney medulla, a fundamental component of the renal system, refers to the innermost region of the kidney, surrounded by the outer renal cortex. It plays a pivotal role in the filtration and excretion of waste products in the process of urine formation.
Comprising a series of conical-shaped structures called renal pyramids, the medulla is primarily responsible for maintaining the concentration gradient within the kidney, thereby enabling the regulation of water and electrolyte balance in the body. Each renal pyramid contains functional units called nephrons, which consist of a glomerulus, a network of capillaries, and a tubule system. This intricate arrangement enables the kidney to carry out its essential functions effectively.
Significantly, the medulla is responsible for reabsorbing water and solutes, extracting waste products, and concentrating urine. To accomplish this, the medulla employs a countercurrent multiplication mechanism involving the loop of Henle, which selectively reabsorbs water and solutes while allowing the formation of concentrated urine. Moreover, the medulla also participates in the regulation of blood pressure through the production and secretion of the hormone called vasopressin or antidiuretic hormone (ADH).
In summary, the kidney medulla serves as a crucial site for water and electrolyte regulation, waste disposal, and urine concentration. It ensures the proper functioning of the renal system, playing a vital role in maintaining the body's homeostasis by filtering toxins and maintaining fluid balance.
Common Misspellings for KIDNEY MEDULLA
- jidney medulla
- midney medulla
- lidney medulla
- oidney medulla
- iidney medulla
- kudney medulla
- kjdney medulla
- kkdney medulla
- kodney medulla
- k9dney medulla
- k8dney medulla
- kisney medulla
- kixney medulla
- kicney medulla
- kifney medulla
- kirney medulla
- kieney medulla
- kidbey medulla
- kidmey medulla
- kidjey medulla
Etymology of KIDNEY MEDULLA
The word "kidney" is derived from the Old English word "cýddan", which means "to announce or make known". This word evolved from the Old Norse "kothr", meaning "kidney", which eventually became "kidney" in modern English.
The term "medulla", on the other hand, comes from the Latin word for "marrow" or "pith". It originally referred to the innermost part of an organ or structure.
When combined, "kidney medulla" refers to the innermost region of the kidney, which contains the renal pyramids and is responsible for the production and excretion of urine.
