Renal sciences

Renal sciences (also known as nephrology) is the branch of medicine and physiology concerned with the function, diseases, and treatment of the kidneys. It includes the study of how kidneys maintain homeostasis, the disorders that affect them, and both medical and technological approaches to support or replace kidney function.

What Renal Sciences Involves

Kidney Structure and Function

• Regulation of fluid and electrolyte balance
• Acid-base homeostasis
• Blood pressure regulation (e.g., via renin-angiotensin system)
• Erythropoiesis (through erythropoietin production)
• Waste filtration and excretion

Common Kidney Diseases

• Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): Sudden decline in kidney function
• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Gradual loss of kidney function over time
• Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the kidney's filtering units
• Nephrotic syndrome: Characterized by high proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and edema
• Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): Genetic disorder with multiple kidney cysts
• Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis)
• Hypertensive and diabetic nephropathy