Renal Histology

Cortex; Medulla

Nephron

Bowman’s capsule; Glomerulus

Proximal and distal convoluted tubules; Loop of Henle; Collecting ducts

Cortical nephrons

Renal cortex has renal corpuscles present; Renal medulla has many tubules present

Space between the two layers of epithelium in Bowman's capsule

Simple squamous epithelium

Secrete renin in response to reduced blood pressure or reduced perfusion of the afferent arteriole

Have processes which form the filtration barrier

Visceral layer - inner layer

Capillary endothelium; Basement membrane; Podocyte filtration slit membrane

Nephrin (NPHS1) gene

Specialised cells which perform phagocytosis; Produce mesangial matrix which supports the glomerulus

Sense sodium chloride levels in the tubular fluid

Distal part of the thick ascending limb, near the start of the distal convoluted tubule

Produce renin in response to inadequate tissue perfusion

Afferent arteriole

Macula densa cells; Extraglomerular mesangial cells (Lacis cells); Juxtaglomerular cells

Support communication between the macula densa and juxtaglomerular cells

Selective reabsorption of substances via active and passive mechanisms

Microvilli

Simple cuboidal epithelium

Thin descending - simple squamous; Thick descending - simple cuboidal; Thin ascending - simple squamous; Thick ascending - simple cuboidal

Simple cuboidal epithelium

No

Reabsorbs small amounts of filtered NaCl and other substances such as calcium; Water reabsorption is variable and regulated by hormones

Principal cells; Intercalated cells

Sodium and water reabsorption; Potassium secretion

Regulate acid-base balance by secreting hydrogen ions or bicarbonate

Cortical fibroblasts - produce erythropoietin (EPO); Medullary fibroblasts - produce prostaglandin E2

Transitional epithelium (urothelium)

Inner longitudinal layer; Middle circular layer; Outer longitudinal layer

Inflammation of the glomeruli

Damage to the tubular epithelial cells of the kidneys, causing impaired kidney function and potentially acute kidney injury

A clinical syndrome caused by inflammation of the glomeruli, leading to haematuria and reduced kidney function

Haematuria; Variable proteinuria; Acute renal failure

Hypoalbuminaemia; Hyperlipidaemia; Lipiduria; Proteinuria

A condition characterised by heavy protein loss in the urine, causing hypoalbuminaemia and oedema

Rapid decline in kidney function; Haematuria; Proteinuria; Red cell casts; Oliguria

Condition where podocyte foot processes are effaced, disrupting the integrity of the filtration barrier; Symptoms include proteinuria, hypoalbuminaemia and oedema

Subepithelial immunoglobulin-containing deposits along the glomerular basement membrane

Subepithelial; Subendothelial; Mesangial; Within the glomerular basement membrane

Haematuria; Proteinuria; Reduced glomerular filtration rate; Hypertension

Reduced renal blood flow; Ischaemia; Reduced glomerular filtration rate; Hypertension

Infection and inflammation of the kidney, usually involving the renal pelvis and renal parenchyma; Can cause fever, flank pain and impaired kidney function

A malignant tumour arising from the epithelial cells of the renal tubules

A malignant kidney tumour that usually occurs in children and arises from embryonic renal tissue

Urothelial cells lining the renal pelvis, ureters and bladder

A type of renal cell carcinoma characterised by cells with clear cytoplasm, usually arising from the proximal tubules

VHL gene