| A | B |
|---|
| costovertebral angle (CVA) | one of two angles that outline a space over the kidneys that is formed by the rib cage and the vertebral column. |
| creatinine | waste product produced by muscle breakdown commonly found in blood, wine, and muscle tissue: measured in blood and urine tests as an indicator of kidney function. |
| glomerular filtration rate | the amount of blood filtered by the glomeruli in a given time: average is 125 mlimin with 1 mlimin excreted as urine. |
| glomerulus | component of the nephron that is a tuft of up to 50 capillaries where blood is filtered across the semi permeable membrane into Bowman's capsule. |
| intravenous pyelogram (IVP) | diagnostic study using an IV contrast medium that is excreted through the urinary system used to examine the structure and function of the urinary system. |
| nephron | the functional unit of the kidney. |
| renal arteriogram | diagnostic study performed by injecting contrast media into a renal artery to visualize the renal blood vessels. |
| renal biopsy | procedure to obtain renal tissue for examination to determine renal disease; usually performed percutaneously with a biopsy needle. |
| retrograde pyelogram | radiologic technique for examining the structures of the collecting system of the kidneys that is especially useful in locating a urinary tract obstruction. |
| urinalysis | analysis of urine for color, pH, specific gravity, osmolality, and normal and abnormal constituents. |
| calculus | an abnormal stone formed in body tissues by accumulation of mineral salts. |
| cystitis | an inflammatory condition of the urinary bladder, characterized by pain, urgency and frequency of urination, and hernaturia. |
| glomerulonephritis | an immune-related inflammation of the glomeruli characterized by proteinuria, hematoma, decreased urine production, and edema |
| Goodpasture Syndrome | an example of cytotoxic (type II) autoimmune disease, characterized by the presence of circulating antibodies against the glomerular basement membrane and alveolar basement membrane, usually associated with glornerulonephritis and characterized by a cough with hemoptysis, dyspnea, anemia, and progressive renal failure. |
| hrydronephrosis | dilation or enlargement of the renal pelvis and calyces resulting from obstruction in the lower urinary tract with backflow of urine to the kidney. |
| hrydroureter | dilation of the renal pelvis caused by backflow of urine. |
| ileal conduit | most commonly performed incontinent urinary diversion procedure, in which ureters are implanted into part of ileum or colon that has been resected from intestinal tract and abdominal stoma is created. |
| interstitial cystitis | chronic, painful inflammatory disease of the bladder, believed to be associated with an autoimmune or allergic response, and characterized by severe bladder and pelvic pain, urinary frequency, and urgency. |
| lithotripsy | the use of sound waves to break renal stones into small particles that can be eliminated from the urinary tract. |
| micturition | urination |
| micturition reflex | a normal reaction to a rise in pressure within the bladder, resulting in contraction of the bladder wall and relaxation of the urethral sphincter, allowing urination. |
| nephrolithiasis | the formation of stones in the urinary tract. |
| nephrosclerosis | a vascular disease of the kidney characterized by sclerosis of the small arteries and arterioles of the kidney resulting in renal tissue necrosis. |
| nephrotic syndrome | an abnormal condition of the kidney characterized by peripheral edema, massive proteinuria, hyperlipidemia, and hypoalbuminemia: may occur in a severe primary form or secondary to many systemic diseases. |
| polycystic kidney disease | a genetic kidney disorder in which the cortex and the medulla are filled with thin-walled cysts that enlarge and destroy surrounding tissue. |
| pyelonephritis | a diffuse pyogenic infection of the renal parenchyma and collecting system. |
| renal artery stenosis | a partial occlusion of one or both renal arteries and their major branches; a major cause of abrupt onset hypertension. |
| stricture | an abnormal temporary or permanent narrowing of the lumen of a hollow organ, such as the esophagus, pylorus of the stomach, ureter, or urethra: caused by inflammation, external pressure, or scarring. |
| urethritis | inflammation of the urethra |
| urinary incontinence | an uncontrolled leakage of urine as a result of cerebral clouding and / or physical factors that make it difficult to get to the bathroom facilities on time. |
| urinary retention | the inability to empty the bladder despite micturition or the accumulation of urine in the bladder because of an inability to urinate. |
| urosepsis | urinary tract infection that has spread into the systemic circulation: life-threatening condition requiring emergency treatment. |
