Browse the corpus

The kidney is a structurally complex organ essential for human survival since its embryonic development. Every cell in the renal parenchyma is highly specialized in maintaining electrolyte, volume, and waste homeostasis.[1] Renal pathologies can be grossly categorized depending on the affected segment of the nephron: the glomerulus, tubules, interstitium, or blood supply (see Figure. Renal Corpuscle Structure, Nephron Histology). Each differs in its clinical manifestations, making it vital for the clinician to consider differential diagnoses. This topic examines renal histology, kidney function, and their correlation with clinical practice.

Nephron pathologies are as complex as their structure. Each section of the nephron is susceptible to different forms of damage; for instance, glomerular diseases are often immunologically mediated, whereas tubular and interstitial disorders are more likely to be caused by toxic or infectious agents. However, a single disease can affect multiple structures, and the interdependence among kidney structures affects other components when only 1 part is damaged. Immune disorders affecting glomeruli can be either 1) mediated by antibodies against glomerular antigens, 2) mediated by complement, or 3) pauci-immune. The clinical manifestations and the microscopic appearance of the glomerulus depend on the mechanism of damage.[22][2]