| A | B |
|---|
| retroperitoneal | behind the perietal peritoneum (i.e. the kidneys are an example) |
| erythropoiesis | the production of red blood cells |
| renal blood flow rate | the rate at which blood flows through the kidneys (1 liter/minute) |
| filtrate | blood plasma without proteins found in the nephrons of the kidneys |
| glomerular filtration rate | the rate at which filtrate is produced (125 mL/minute) |
| tubular maximum | the maximum rate of reabsorption by active transport through the nephron tubules |
| buffer system | a mixture of an acid and a base which resists changes in pH |
| atrial natriuretic hormone | this reduces blood pressure and sodium levels in the blood. It is secreted in the heart atria in response to atrial stretching |
| acidosis | when the pH of the blood drops below 7.35. This decreases nervous function, ultimately leading to coma and death |
| alkalosis | when the pH of the blood rises above 7.45. This causes over-excitation of the nervous system, which can lead to convulsions |
