Term of the Day

Pyelonephritis: Infection and inflammation of the renal pelvis and interstitium. It is usually bacterial in nature (E. coli, Proteus, or Pseudomonas being the usual culprits), but viruses and fungi can also be causative organisms. It is more common in women, and urinary obstruction and vesicoureteral reflux are risk factors. One or both kidneys may be involved.

Term of the Day

Glomerular Filtration: The first step in the process of urine formation. Due to the relatively high hydrostatic pressure in the glomerular capillaries, a filtrate of blood plasma is forced out of the capillaries into Bowman's capsule. Electrolytes and small molecules enter the filtrate, but large molecules and cells do not (at least in the healthy kidney).