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Overview, Structure and Function of the Nephron

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Abstract

The kidneys are responsible for the regulation of fluid and electrolyte balance, the excretion of waste products such as urea and creatinine, and the overall maintenance of the extracellular environment. In addition, a large volume of fluid is filtered through the kidneys daily. In order to prevent massive losses in the urine, the kidneys must recover the bulk of filtered solutes, including amino acids, glucose, calcium, potassium and phosphorus. Finally, the kidneys secrete multiple hormones, including renin, angiotensin II, calcitriol (1.25 Vitamin D) and erythropoietin.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Pediatric Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Golisano Children’s Hospital, Rochester, NY, USA

    Megan Rashid M.D., M.P.H. & George J. Schwartz M.D.

Authors
  1. Megan Rashid M.D., M.P.H.
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  2. George J. Schwartz M.D.
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to George J. Schwartz M.D. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Children's Heart Group, Div. Pediatric Critical Care, Penn State Children's Hospital, University Drive 500, Hershey, 17078, Pennsylvania, USA

    Steven E. Lucking

  2. Janet Weis Children's Hospital @ Geising, Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, N. Academy Ave 100, Danville, 17822, Pennsylvania, USA

    Frank A. Maffei

  3. Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Penn State College of Medicine, University Drive 500, Hershey, 17033-2390, Pennsylvania, USA

    Robert F. Tamburro

  4. College of Medicine, Penn State Children's Hospital, Pennsylvania State University, University Drive 500, Hershey, 17078, Pennsylvania, USA

    Neal J. Thomas

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Rashid, M., Schwartz, G.J. (2012). Overview, Structure and Function of the Nephron. In: Lucking, S., Maffei, F., Tamburro, R., Thomas, N. (eds) Pediatric Critical Care Study Guide. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-85729-923-9_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-85729-923-9_6

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-0-85729-922-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-0-85729-923-9

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