Main description:

This volume discusses renal function and the mechanisms by which the kidney regulates the composition and volume of the extracellular fluid. It also highlights the role of the kidney in the development and progression of arterial hypertension. Most textbooks of renal physiology are based in mammalians physiology and mostly human physiology of the kidney, but the authors considered that this book should also include other species to include the broad spectrum of students and researchers in the life and biomedical sciences. In this sense, we included chapters such as comparative osmoregulation in non-mammalian vertebrates and we emphasize that in vertebrates like fish, reptiles, amphibians and birds, the kidneys and extrarenal organs are vital to maintain fluid homeostasis. The purpose of the book is to provide a concise frame of knowledge in a clear and direct language, of the renal function to medical and biological sciences students. In the context of normal renal function, we provide pathophysiological basis for chronic renal diseases and hypertension with the participation of renal vasoactive hormones. This book is used as textbook in several physiology courses for medical, nursing and biological sciences students at the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, Finis Terrae University, Universidad San Sebastian as well as other universities.

Contents:

Chapter 1: General functions of the kidneyChapter 2: Functional anatomy of the kidneyChapter 3: Glomerular filtration and renal blood flowChapter 4: Transport of NaCl, organic solutes and water in the renal tubuleChapter 5: Water Balance and the Regulation of Plasma Osmolality Chapter 6: Osmoregulation in non-mammalian vertebratesChapter 7: Regulation of the Effective Circulating Volume and Sodium BalanceChapter 8: Renal regulation of acid-base balanceChapter 9: Potassium Balance RegulationChapter 10: Tubular transport of calcium, phosphate and magnesiumChapter 11: Kidney hormones and their actionsChapter 12: Pathophysiological basis of high blood pressureChapter 13: Genetic Alterations in Tubular Transportation of NaCl And WaterChapter 14: Answers to chapter questions