Chapter 70 – Acid–Base Physiology
Abstract The word ‘acid’ is derived from the Latin acidus, meaning sour. Early chemists defined an acid as a chemical substance whose aqueous solution tastes sour, changes the colour of…
ANESTHESIA
Chapter 74 – Anaemia and Polycythaemia
Abstract Erythropoiesis, the production of red blood cells (RBCs), occurs within the bone marrow. Erythrocytes differentiate through several cell types during their development. Chapter 74 Anaemia and Polycythaemia What steps…
Chapter 72 – Haemostasis
Abstract ‘Haemostasis’ is a collective term for the mechanisms that stop blood loss. Macroscopically, the most obvious haemostatic mechanism is the conversion of liquid blood to a solid gel –…
Chapter 73 – Transfusion
Abstract As discussed in Chapter 8, red blood cells (RBCs) can be thought of as ‘bags of haemoglobin’ (Hb). However, the composition of the ‘bag’ itself differs between patients. The…
Chapter 71 – Micturition
Abstract The bladder is a hollow, muscular organ situated in the pelvis. Its role is the storage and voiding of urine. Urine is produced in the kidneys, enters the bladder…
Chapter 69 – Renal Regulation of Water and Electrolyte Balance
Abstract Water is the most abundant component of the human body. On average, 60% of the body is composed of water (this value varies with sex, body habitus and age)….
Chapter 67 – Renal Function, Anatomy and Blood Flow
Abstract The kidneys are solid, ‘bean-shaped’ retroperitoneal organs located at vertebral levels T12 to L3. From inside to outside, the kidney is surrounded by the renal capsule, perirenal fat, renal…
Chapter 68 – Renal Filtration and Reabsorption
Abstract The basic filtration unit of the kidney is the renal corpuscle, consisting of a glomerulus surrounded by a Bowman’s capsule. The high glomerular capillary hydrostatic pressure forces a fraction…
Chapter 65 – Liver: Anatomy and Blood Supply
Abstract The liver is the largest solid organ in the body (the skin is overall the largest organ) and receives a large volume of blood. At rest, the liver receives…
Chapter 66 – Liver Function
Abstract The liver is responsible for a wide range of strategic biochemical functions, synthesising and eliminating a huge number of molecules for a variety of purposes. A healthy liver has…
