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34.0: Introduction

  • Page ID
    90779
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    A diagram of the renal system shows the kidneys, ureters, and bladder, as well as the main artery and vein connected to the kidneys.
    Figure 34.1 The renal and urinary system filters out excess fluid and eliminates urea from the body, helping body chemicals stay in balance. (CC BY 4.0; Rice University & OpenStax)

    Diuretic therapy is used to increase urinary output for the treatment of edematous conditions, hypertension, heart failure, liver failure, acute and chronic renal diseases, and nephrotic syndrome. There are four groups of diuretics: loop, osmotic, potassium-sparing, and thiazide/thiazide-like. Each targets a specific area of the nephron, resulting in the inhibition of sodium and water reabsorption.


    This page titled 34.0: Introduction is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by OpenStax.

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