Renal physiology

Abstract This chapter covers renal physiology required for the MRCEM Primary examination. It reviews the anatomy of the kidney, nephron structure, and renal blood flow regulation. Mechanisms of glomerular filtration, tubular transport, and creatinine clearance are explained. The functional roles of the proximal tubule, loop of Henle, distal convoluted tubule, and collecting duct are detailed, including sodium, potassium, calcium, and water handling. Hormonal influences such as ADH, aldosterone, and parathyroid hormone are discussed. Concepts of autoregulation, counter-current multiplication, and plasma osmolality regulation are presented. All of the information maps to the RCEM Basic Sciences syllabus, making it relevant to Emergency Medicine practice and the examination.