Understanding Basic Renal Physiology

The first edition of this book appeared in 1982. In the preface to that first edi tion, I wrote 'This book is based on the lecture course in renal physiology which I give to medical students at the University of Birmingham. The pur pose of the book is primarily to set out the principles of renal physiology for preclinical medical students, and it is therefore concerned mainly with normal renal function. However, diseases or abnormalities in other body systems may lead to adaptations or modifications of renal function, so that a good knowl edge of renal physiology is essential to the understanding of many disease states, for example the oedema of heart failure or liver disease, or the conse quences of haemorrhage and shock. ' The new edition is still based on the lec tures which I continue to give at Birmingham University, but over the years the course has gradually changed, to being a system based course covering all aspects of the kidney - the anatomy, physiology, pharmacology and pathology. The new edition of the book, which has been extensively revised and rewritten, reflects this. However, it continues to offer a concise, easily readable format, primarily intended for undergraduate medical and medical science students.

A good knowledge of renal physiology is essential to the understanding of many disease states. The purpose of the book is to set out the principles of renal physiology and normal renal function. Now in its 30th year of continuous publication, this new edition offers a logical progression through renal physiology and pathophysiology. In addition, the anatomy, physiology, pharmacology and pathology of the kidney are covered – making it highly suitable for system based courses. This 5th edition has been extensively revised and features a wealth of new and widely accepted information about kidney function. This includes our understanding of the role of the glycocalyx and structural proteins in glomerular filtration; details of tubular transport, tight junctions and paracellular transport; and an update of the loops of Henle functioning. Principles of Renal Physiology, 5th Edition is a concise and easily readable text ideal for undergraduate medical and medical science students.

"Renal physiology is at the heart of practice of medicine. Concepts such as fluids, electrolytes and acid/base disorders are central to medical disciplines in almost all fields of medicine. There are very few physicians who do not need to be well versed in these concepts. On the other hand, these concepts are some of the most poorly understood concepts in medicine. As an example, there is often confusion that has led to hyponatremia, and physicians are often in doubt as to what fluids are required for a patient with hypernatremia. This book will clarify the logic behind these central concepts and hopefully lead to less doubt in the management of patients with these problems. The book is not intended to be a comprehensive discussion for all aspects of renal physiology; rather, it is intended to clarify the understanding of few core concept of renal physiology as it relates to patient care. As each patient with electrolyte or renal disorder presents in their own unique way, we find it useful to understand the basics behind those core concepts to be able to explain why the patient does not completely fit the textbook case. The purpose of this book is not to serve as a textbook on renal disorders. As such, not all topics in nephrology are covered, but only the ones where we find it beneficial for the physician to better understand those aspects of renal physiology. The book is intended for all physicians; clearly, medical students in their clinical years would benefit from it and especially renal fellows and nephrologists would find it useful. It is often the case that physicians act as the developers of renal physiology and equations, but not much time is spent on understanding how those equations and concepts came about. This book is intended to shine light on these important concepts. Having a true understanding of these concepts would enable one to treat patients who often don’t present as a textbook case. In general, this textbook would be helpful for all physicians. However, the group of physicians who would benefit most from it would be those who encounter patients with electrolyte disorders. First and foremost, nephrologists are included in that list, especially nephrology fellows who are just starting to develop a deeper understanding of serum electrolytes. The next group of physicians who would benefit would be intensivists, internists, family practitioners and emergency room physicians who often act as the first line of responders for these patients. Our book is unique among books on renal physiology in that it is not a comprehensive discussion of renal physiology, but it gives the physician reader some helpful hints in understanding key concepts of renal physiology. As such we believe it would be especially helpful in the management of patients with complicated electrolytes or renal disorder. (Nova Biomedical)"--

The first edition of this book was well received by updated. The two of us have made further collab orative efforts to present a better understanding of medical students, graduate students, and clinicians interested in furthering their understanding of basic the function of the kidney in conjunction with the principles of renal physiology. Most of the reviews most recent anatomical findings. of the first edition and comments from the various The second edition consists of 13 Chapters and 3 instructors who used the book were very positive Appendices. As in the first edition, the anatomical and complimentary with regard to the presentation description of the kidney is incorporated into the of the physiological information and the use of the various chapters dealing with kidney functions. Most system analysis approach to describe renal function. of the anatomical information was written by Wil These positive and encouraging comments over the helm Kriz. The physiological information was writ past nine years, since the publication of the first ten by Esmail Koushanpour, except for Chapter 12 edition, gave us the impetus to consider the prepa which was jointly written. Chapters 1 through 3 were ration of a second edition.

This text covers all of the essential points of renal physiology in a concise presentation and provides an essential tool for introducing concepts or reviewing basic information. Extensive use of tables, diagrams, and illustrations aids comprehension. The focus on core concepts, end-of-chapter summaries, and the clinical content and emphasis make this an excellent learning tool. Includes relevant content on the kidney with regards to the new genetic and molecular information available. Also features a new exam for self testing. Chapter objectives. Self study problems. Clinical case studies. Multiple choice exams for self assessment. Emphasis on the core concepts. Key words and concepts. New coverage of the genetics and molecular biology of renal transporters. New multiple-choice examhas been added, giving users 100 questions for self assessment.

Each chapter in this authoritative volume is written by a well-known physiologist who has contributed to our current understanding of renal function. Together the authors offer a unique, inside perspective on the historical record of the discipline, from its roots in the ancient world to the most recent findings of modern times. Among the many topics discussed are renal blood flow and the dynamics of glomerular filtration; the clearance concept in renal physiology; micropuncture and microperfusion; transport of electrolytes across renal tubules; and diuretics and renal drug development.

A good knowledge of renal physiology is essential to the understanding of many disease states. The purpose of the book is to set out the principles of renal physiology and normal renal function. Now in its 30th year of continuous publication, this new edition offers a logical progression through renal physiology and pathophysiology. In addition, the anatomy, physiology, pharmacology and pathology of the kidney are covered – making it highly suitable for system based courses. This 5th edition has been extensively revised and features a wealth of new and widely accepted information about kidney function. This includes our understanding of the role of the glycocalyx and structural proteins in glomerular filtration; details of tubular transport, tight junctions and paracellular transport; and an update of the loops of Henle functioning. Principles of Renal Physiology, 5th Edition is a concise and easily readable text ideal for undergraduate medical and medical science students.