Nephrology

The medical specialty focused on the study and treatment of the kidneys and related conditions.

 

Nephrologist:

A medical doctor specializing in nephrology, responsible for diagnosing and managing kidney disorders.

 

Renal System:

The system comprising the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, responsible for filtering and eliminating waste from the body.

 

Glomerulus:

A network of tiny blood vessels in the kidneys responsible for filtering blood and forming urine.

 

Renal Artery and Vein:

Blood vessels that supply and drain the kidneys, playing a crucial role in renal function.

 

Nephron:

The functional unit of the kidney, responsible for filtering blood, reabsorbing essential substances, and excreting waste.

 

Renal Failure:

A condition where the kidneys are unable to adequately filter waste and maintain electrolyte balance, leading to a buildup of toxins in the body.

 

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD):

Progressive and irreversible damage to the kidneys over time, often resulting from conditions like diabetes or hypertension.

 

Hemodialysis:

A medical procedure where blood is filtered outside the body through a dialysis machine to remove waste products in cases of renal failure.

 

Peritoneal Dialysis:

A type of dialysis where the peritoneum in the abdomen is used as a natural filter to remove waste and excess fluid.

 

Renal Biopsy:

A procedure involving the removal of a small piece of kidney tissue for examination, often done to diagnose kidney diseases.

 

Polyuria:

Excessive urination, often indicative of certain kidney disorders or diabetes.