CHAPTER 9 I

BY: FRANK LEMOND BIOLOGY 120

7/10/10

1= MAJOR CALYX

• The major calyx = superior to the minor calyx. It = interesting to note that our text only refers to the calyx, although Wikipedia refers to a major + minor calyx.

II. ELECTROLYTE

• In chemistry, an electrolyte = any substance containing free ions that make the substance electrically conductive (i.e., electrons can flow). The most typical electrolyte = an ionic solution (i.e., salt water) but molten (melted) electrolytes and solid electrolytes are also possible.

III. FECAL INCONTINENCE

• Fecal incontinence = no joke. It = the loss of regular control of the bowels. Involuntary excretion + leaking are common occurrences for those affected. Subjects relating to defecation are often socially unacceptable, thus those affected may be beset by feelings of shame & humiliation. Some do not seek the help of physicians + attempt to self-manage their problem.

• On a personal note, I attended to an individual who suffered from fecal incontinence. It was interesting that, although this man was incontinent + in his 90s, his mind was very sharp.

IV. HYDRONEPHROSIS

• Hydronephrosis = the enlargement + expansion of the renal pelvis + calyces, usually caused by blockage of the free flow of urine from the kidney, leading to progressive atrophy of the kidney. In case of hydroureteronephrosis, there = enlargement of both the ureter + the renal pelvis + calices.

V. LOOP OF HENLE

• In each kidny, the loop of Henle (AKA Henle’s loop or ansa nephroni) = the part of the nephron that leads from the proximal straight tubule to the distal (distant) convoluted tubule. The loop has a hairpin turn in the renal medulla, so it’s akin to a rollercoaster @ Disneyland. By means of a countercurrent multiplier system, which utilizes sodium pumps, it makes an area of high sodium concentration deep in the medulla, near the collecting duct.