'''Nephrology''' is the branch of [[medicine]] that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases and conditions affecting the [[kidney]]. Derived from the [[Ancient Greek|Greek]] term ''nephros'', meaning "[[kidney]]", combined with ''-logy'', which translates to "the study of", nephrology encompasses the comprehensive understanding of normal [[renal function|kidney function]], the pathology of [[kidney disease]], and the strategies to maintain kidney health.
== Nephrology ==
==Scope and Overview==
[[File:KidneyStructures_PioM.svg|thumb|right|Diagram of kidney structures]]
Nephrology touches upon a wide array of renal-related topics:
'''Nephrology''' is a specialty of [[medicine]] that focuses on the [[kidney]]s, specifically their function, diseases, and treatment. Nephrologists are physicians who specialize in the care and treatment of patients with kidney disorders.
* '''Renal physiology''': The study of how the kidneys function in health.
* '''Kidney pathology''': Understanding diseases and conditions that impair kidney function, including chronic kidney disease, [[glomerulonephritis]], and [[renal failure]].
* '''Treatment modalities''': Nephrologists devise treatment plans for kidney diseases, which can range from dietary and lifestyle changes, medication regimens, to advanced [[renal replacement therapy]] techniques such as [[dialysis]] and [[kidney transplantation]].
* '''Pediatric nephrology''': A sub-specialty focusing on kidney-related diseases and conditions in children.
==Historical Perspective==
== Anatomy of the Kidney ==
The term "nephrology" began its usage around 1960. Prior to this period, the medical community referred to the field as "kidney medicine".<ref>''[https://www.science.org.au/learning/general-audience/history/interviews-australian-scientists/professor-priscilla-kincaid-smith Professor Priscilla Kincaid-Smith, nephrologist]'', [[Australian Academy of Science]], Interview by Dr Max Blythe in 1998.</ref> The evolution of the specialty has been marked by significant advancements in diagnostic tools, treatment modalities, and a deeper understanding of renal physiology and pathology.
==Roles and Responsibilities==
The [[kidney]]s are vital organs located in the [[retroperitoneal space]] of the [[abdomen]]. Each kidney is approximately the size of a fist and is responsible for filtering blood, removing waste, and balancing electrolytes.
A '''nephrologist''' is a medical doctor specializing in nephrology. They undergo extensive training beyond general medicine to gain expertise in renal-related conditions. Their roles typically involve:
* Diagnosing and managing kidney diseases.
=== Structure ===
* Providing expert care for patients on dialysis.
* Managing conditions like [[hypertension]] that are closely associated with renal dysfunction.
* Coordinating with surgeons for kidney transplantation procedures.
== List of Nephrologists (USA) ==
The kidney is composed of several distinct regions:
{{div col|colwidth=15em}}
* [[:Category:Nephrology providers in Alabama|Alabama]]
* [[:Category:Nephrology providers in Alaska|Alaska]]
* [[:Category:Nephrology providers in Arizona|Arizona]]
* [[:Category:Nephrology providers in Arkansas|Arkansas]]
* [[:Category:Nephrology providers in California|California]]
* [[:Category:Nephrology providers in Colorado|Colorado]]
* [[:Category:Nephrology providers in Connecticut|Connecticut]]
* [[:Category:Nephrology providers in Delaware|Delaware]]
* [[:Category:Nephrology providers in Florida|Florida]]
* [[:Category:Nephrology providers in Georgia|Georgia]]
* [[:Category:Nephrology providers in Hawaii|Hawaii]]
* [[:Category:Nephrology providers in Idaho|Idaho]]
* [[:Category:Nephrology providers in Illinois|Illinois]]
* [[:Category:Nephrology providers in Indiana|Indiana]]
* [[:Category:Nephrology providers in Iowa|Iowa]]
* [[:Category:Nephrology providers in Kansas|Kansas]]
* [[:Category:Nephrology providers in Kentucky|Kentucky]]
* [[:Category:Nephrology providers in Louisiana|Louisiana]]
* [[:Category:Nephrology providers in Maine|Maine]]
* [[:Category:Nephrology providers in Maryland|Maryland]]
* [[:Category:Nephrology providers in Massachusetts|Massachusetts]]
* [[:Category:Nephrology providers in Michigan|Michigan]]
* [[:Category:Nephrology providers in Minnesota|Minnesota]]
* [[:Category:Nephrology providers in Mississippi|Mississippi]]
* [[:Category:Nephrology providers in Missouri|Missouri]]
* [[:Category:Nephrology providers in Montana|Montana]]
* [[:Category:Nephrology providers in Nebraska|Nebraska]]
* [[:Category:Nephrology providers in Nevada|Nevada]]
* [[:Category:Nephrology providers in New Hampshire|New Hampshire]]
* [[:Category:Nephrology providers in New Jersey|New Jersey]]
* [[:Category:Nephrology providers in New Mexico|New Mexico]]
* [[:Category:Nephrology providers in New York|New York]]
* [[:Category:Nephrology providers in North Carolina|North Carolina]]
* [[:Category:Nephrology providers in North Dakota|North Dakota]]
* [[:Category:Nephrology providers in Ohio|Ohio]]
* [[:Category:Nephrology providers in Oklahoma|Oklahoma]]
* [[:Category:Nephrology providers in Oregon|Oregon]]
* [[:Category:Nephrology providers in Pennsylvania|Pennsylvania]]
* [[:Category:Nephrology providers in Rhode Island|Rhode Island]]
* [[:Category:Nephrology providers in South Carolina|South Carolina]]
* [[:Category:Nephrology providers in South Dakota|South Dakota]]
* [[:Category:Nephrology providers in Tennessee|Tennessee]]
* [[:Category:Nephrology providers in Texas|Texas]]
* [[:Category:Nephrology providers in Utah|Utah]]
* [[:Category:Nephrology providers in Vermont|Vermont]]
* [[:Category:Nephrology providers in Virginia|Virginia]]
* [[:Category:Nephrology providers in Washington|Washington]]
* [[:Category:Nephrology providers in West Virginia|West Virginia]]
* [[:Category:Nephrology providers in Wisconsin|Wisconsin]]
* [[:Category:Nephrology providers in Wyoming|Wyoming]]
''' US territories'''
* '''[[Cortex]]''': The outer layer of the kidney, which contains the [[glomeruli]] and the proximal and distal convoluted tubules.
* [[:Category:Nephrology providers in American Samoa|American Samoa]]
* '''[[Medulla]]''': The inner region, which contains the [[loop of Henle]] and the collecting ducts.
* [[:Category:Nephrology providers in Guam|Guam]]
* '''[[Renal pelvis]]''': The funnel-shaped structure that collects urine from the collecting ducts and channels it into the [[ureter]].
* [[:Category:Nephrology providers in Northern Mariana Islands|Northern Mariana Islands]]
* [[:Category:Nephrology providers in Puerto Rico|Puerto Rico]]
* [[:Category:Nephrology providers in U.S. Virgin Islands|U.S. Virgin Islands]]
* [[:Category:Nephrology providers in District of Columbia|District of Columbia]]
{{div col end}}
==Conclusion==
== Functions of the Kidney ==
Nephrology remains a critical specialty in medicine, with kidneys playing an essential role in maintaining the body's homeostasis. The field continually evolves with advancements in research, offering hope to those battling renal diseases and enhancing the quality of their lives.
The primary functions of the kidneys include:
* '''Filtration''': The process of filtering blood to remove waste products and excess substances, forming [[urine]].
* '''Regulation''': Maintaining [[homeostasis]] by regulating the balance of electrolytes, [[acid-base balance]], and [[blood pressure]].
* '''Hormone production''': Producing hormones such as [[erythropoietin]], which stimulates [[red blood cell]] production, and [[renin]], which regulates blood pressure.
== Common Kidney Diseases ==
Nephrologists diagnose and treat a variety of kidney diseases, including:
* '''[[Chronic kidney disease]] (CKD)''': A long-term condition characterized by a gradual loss of kidney function.
* '''[[Acute kidney injury]] (AKI)''': A sudden decrease in kidney function, often due to injury or illness.
* '''[[Glomerulonephritis]]''': Inflammation of the glomeruli, which can lead to kidney damage.
* '''[[Polycystic kidney disease]] (PKD)''': A genetic disorder characterized by the growth of numerous cysts in the kidneys.
== Treatment Modalities ==
Treatment for kidney diseases may include:
* '''[[Dialysis]]''': A procedure that performs the function of the kidneys by removing waste and excess fluid from the blood.
* '''[[Kidney transplantation]]''': A surgical procedure to replace a diseased kidney with a healthy one from a donor.
* '''Medications''': To manage symptoms and slow the progression of kidney disease.
Nephrology is a specialty of medicine that focuses on the kidneys, specifically their function, diseases, and treatment. Nephrologists are physicians who specialize in the care and treatment of patients with kidney disorders.
The kidneys are vital organs located in the retroperitoneal space of the abdomen. Each kidney is approximately the size of a fist and is responsible for filtering blood, removing waste, and balancing electrolytes.
