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blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
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a blood test that measures the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood; elevated levels can indicate decreased renal function
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Bowman’s capsule
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part of the nephron that contains the glomerulus
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cortical nephrons
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comprise a majority of the functional units of the kidney located in the outer renal cortex
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fenestrated capillaries
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small blood vessels in the glomerulus that filter waste
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glomerular filtration
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initial step in making urine involving the filtering of excess fluid and waste products from blood
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glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
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the rate at which the kidneys filter the blood, calculated using the results of blood tests that measure renal function
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glomerulus
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located in nephrons, a tuft of capillaries surrounded by the Bowman’s capsule that filters blood
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hilum
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indentation on the medial side of the kidney that allows blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerves to enter and exit
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juxtamedullary nephrons
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nephrons with longer loops of Henle that extend into the medulla
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loop of Henle
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part of the nephron that contributes to absorption of sodium
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mesangial cells
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cells that increase the body surface area for glomerular filtration by limiting the size of molecules that can be filtered
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micturition
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the process through which urine is released from the bladder
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nephrons
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the functional units of the kidney that produce urine
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renal colic
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acute pain associated with kidney stones
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renal cortex
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outermost layer of the internal areas of the kidney containing nephrons
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renal medulla
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inner part of the kidney containing structures essential for regulating urine concentration
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renal pelvis
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funnel-shaped area of the kidney that collects urine and is connected to the ureter
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tubular necrosis
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damage to the tubule cells of the kidney typically resulting from reduced blood flow or chemical exposure
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vasa recta
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long, hairpin-shaped blood vessels that run parallel to the loops of Henle and facilitate water reabsorption
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vesicoureteral reflux
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abnormal backflow of urine from the bladder up through the ureters