Vocabulary Words Every Nephrologist Should Know

Kidney

Definition: An organ that helps filter waste from the blood.

• The kidney is essential for good health.
• She learned about how the kidney functions.
• He donated a kidney to help his friend.

Kidney in a sentence

Water

Definition: A clear liquid that all living things need.

• We drink water every day.
• Plants need water to grow.
• The glass is full of water.

Water in a sentence

Blood

Definition: The red liquid that circulates in the body.

• Blood carries oxygen to all parts of the body.
• He learned about blood types in science class.
• The doctor took a sample of her blood for testing.

Blood in a sentence

Urine

Definition: The liquid waste produced by the kidneys and excreted from the body.

• Urine is composed of water, salts, and waste products.
• She collected a sample of urine for testing.
• Understanding urine composition helps in medical assessments.

Urine in a sentence

Doctor

Definition: A person who is trained to treat medical conditions.

• The doctor helps people stay healthy.
• I went to the doctor for a check-up.
• She wants to be a doctor when she grows up.

Doctor in a sentence

Health

Definition: The state of being free from illness or injury.

• Eating fruits and vegetables is good for your health.
• Regular exercise helps improve your health.
• We should take care of our mental health as well.

Health in a sentence

Pain

Definition: An unpleasant feeling often caused by injury or illness.

• He felt pain in his leg after the fall.
• She took medicine to relieve the pain.
• The pain in her stomach made her uncomfortable.

Pain in a sentence

Test

Definition: A method of assessing knowledge or skills; an examination.

• She studied hard for the math test next week.
• He passed the driving test on his first try.
• The teacher gave a pop quiz as a test of understanding.

Test in a sentence

Body

Definition: The physical structure of a person or animal.

• My body needs rest after a long day.
• We must take care of our body through exercise.
• The human body is made up of many systems.

Body in a sentence

Help

Definition: To assist someone with something.

• Can you help me with my homework?
• She helped her mother in the kitchen.
• He always helps his friends.

Help in a sentence

Eat

Definition: To take food into the body through the mouth.

• I like to eat apples.
• She eats breakfast every morning.
• We will eat lunch at noon.

Eat in a sentence

Drink

Definition: A liquid that can be consumed; to take in liquid through the mouth.

• I like to drink juice in the morning.
• Please drink water to stay hydrated.
• He ordered a drink at the café.

Drink in a sentence

Sick

Definition: Feeling unwell or ill; not healthy.

• I feel sick and need to rest.
• She stayed home because she was sick.
• He visited the doctor because he was sick.

Sick in a sentence

Clean

Definition: To make something free of dirt or mess.

• I need to clean my room before my friends come.
• She will clean the dishes after dinner.
• We should clean up the classroom together.

Clean in a sentence

Care

Definition: To look after someone or something; to be concerned about.

• I care about my family and friends.
• Please take care of your pets.
• The doctor will care for the patients.

Care in a sentence

Medicine

Definition: A substance used to treat illness or injury.

• I took medicine to help with my cold.
• The doctor prescribed some medicine for her.
• It's important to take medicine as directed.

Medicine in a sentence

Patient

Definition: Able to wait without getting angry.

• She is very patient with her students.
• It's important to be patient when learning.
• He waited patiently for his turn.

Patient in a sentence

Check

Definition: To look at something to verify its accuracy; a written order for payment.

• Please check your answers before submitting.
• He wrote a check to pay for the groceries.
• She will check the schedule for the meeting.

Check in a sentence

Feel

Definition: To sense or experience something.

• I feel happy today.
• She felt cold in the winter.
• He feels tired after running.

Feel in a sentence

Good

Definition: Of high quality; positive.

• She did a good job on the test.
• This is a good book to read.
• They are good friends.

Good in a sentence

Disease

Definition: An illness or medical condition that affects the body.

• Many diseases can be prevented by vaccines.
• He studies how to treat disease in animals.
• Eating healthy helps reduce the risk of disease.

Disease in a sentence

Treatment

Definition: The way of dealing with a patient or condition; care given to someone.

• He received treatment for his illness.
• The treatment helped her recover quickly.
• They discussed treatment options with the doctor.

Treatment in a sentence

Clinic

Definition: A place where people receive medical treatment.

• He visited the clinic for a check-up.
• The clinic offers free vaccinations.
• The clinic is open every Saturday.

Clinic in a sentence

Diet

Definition: The kinds of food and drink a person regularly consumes.

• She follows a healthy diet to stay fit.
• His diet includes lots of fruits and vegetables.
• They discussed the importance of a balanced diet.

Diet in a sentence

Infection

Definition: The invasion of germs that can cause illness.

• He had an infection that needed treatment.
• Washing hands helps prevent infections.
• She learned about infections in her health class.

Infection in a sentence

Symptoms

Definition: physical or mental signs of an illness

• Common symptoms of the flu include fever and cough.
• He noted the symptoms and reported them to the doctor.
• She learned to recognize the symptoms of allergies.

Follow-up

Definition: an action that comes after an initial action; checking on something

• She scheduled a follow-up appointment with the doctor.
• The teacher did a follow-up on the students’ progress.
• A follow-up email can help clarify any questions.

Recovery

Definition: the process of getting better after an illness or difficult situation

• Her recovery from the flu was quick.
• He is in recovery after the surgery.
• The doctor said that full recovery will take a few weeks.

Recovery in a sentence

Nephron

Definition: the functional unit of the kidney

• Each kidney contains about a million nephrons.
• Nephrons filter blood and produce urine.
• Understanding nephron function is essential in biology.

Nephron in a sentence

Dialysis

Definition: a medical treatment that removes waste from the blood

• Dialysis is necessary for patients with kidney failure.
• She goes for dialysis three times a week.
• The doctor explained the dialysis process to him.

Dialysis in a sentence

Filtration

Definition: The process of separating solid particles from liquids or gases using a filter.

• Filtration is essential in water treatment.
• She studied the principles of filtration in chemistry.
• Understanding filtration can improve environmental practices.

Filtration in a sentence

Electrolyte

Definition: a substance that produces an electrically conducting solution when dissolved

• Sports drinks contain electrolytes to help with hydration.
• He learned the importance of electrolytes during his training.
• Understanding electrolytes is crucial for body function.

Electrolyte in a sentence

Protein

Definition: a nutrient important for the body

• Meat is a good source of protein.
• She includes protein in her diet.
• The protein helps build muscle.

Protein in a sentence

Blood Pressure

Definition: The force of blood against the walls of blood vessels.

• The doctor checked her blood pressure today.
• High blood pressure can lead to health issues.
• He monitors his blood pressure regularly.

Blood Pressure in a sentence

Creatinine

Definition: A waste product produced by muscles, often measured in blood tests.

• High levels of creatinine can indicate kidney issues.
• The doctor explained the importance of monitoring creatinine.
• Understanding creatinine levels helps in health assessments.

Creatinine in a sentence

Urea

Definition: A compound found in urine, used in fertilizers and as a nitrogen source.

• Urea is essential for plant growth and is used in farming.
• She learned about urea's role in the nitrogen cycle.
• Understanding urea is important for environmental science.

Urea in a sentence

Transplant

Definition: to move an organ or tissue from one body to another

• She needed a kidney transplant to recover.
• The doctors performed a heart transplant successfully.
• Understanding transplant procedures is crucial in medicine.

Transplant in a sentence

Function

Definition: The purpose or role that something serves.

• The function of a light bulb is to provide light.
• What is the function of this button?
• The main function of the app is to help with studying.

Function in a sentence

Hydration

Definition: the process of absorbing water to maintain body fluids

• Good hydration is essential for health.
• They learned about hydration in health class.
• After the game, hydration was important for recovery.

Hydration in a sentence

Chronic

Definition: Long-lasting and difficult to eliminate; often refers to health issues.

• He suffers from chronic pain in his back.
• Chronic conditions require ongoing treatment.
• They studied the effects of chronic stress on health.

Chronic in a sentence

Acute

Definition: having a sudden onset or a severe intensity

• She experienced acute pain after the fall.
• The doctor treated her acute illness quickly.
• Understanding acute helps in describing medical conditions.

Acute in a sentence

Nephrology

Definition: the study and treatment of kidney diseases

• Nephrology is a vital field in medicine.
• She wants to specialize in nephrology after her studies.
• Understanding nephrology helps improve kidney health.

Nephrology in a sentence

Renal

Definition: Related to the kidneys.

• The doctor checked her renal function during the exam.
• He learned about renal health in his biology class.
• Renal issues can affect the body's overall well-being.

Renal in a sentence

Hypertension

Definition: High blood pressure, which can lead to health problems.

• Hypertension is often called a silent killer.
• He monitors his hypertension with regular check-ups.
• Lifestyle changes can help manage hypertension.

Hypertension in a sentence

Biopsy

Definition: A medical test involving the removal of tissue to examine for disease.

• A biopsy can help determine if a tumor is cancerous.
• He underwent a biopsy for further evaluation.
• Understanding a biopsy process can ease patient concerns.

Biopsy in a sentence

Glomerulus

Definition: A tiny structure in the kidney that filters blood.

• Each kidney has many glomeruli to filter waste.
• The glomerulus is essential for kidney function.
• She learned about the glomerulus in her biology class.

Glomerulus in a sentence

Proteinuria

Definition: the presence of excess protein in urine

• Proteinuria can indicate kidney issues.
• Doctors test for proteinuria during routine check-ups.
• He was concerned when his test results showed proteinuria.

Proteinuria in a sentence

Hematuria

Definition: The presence of blood in urine.

• Hematuria can indicate a urinary tract issue.
• He saw a doctor due to hematuria concerns.
• Understanding hematuria is important for diagnosis.

Hematuria in a sentence

Edema

Definition: Swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body's tissues.

• He experienced edema in his legs after the long flight.
• The doctor checked for signs of edema.
• Edema can be uncomfortable and requires treatment.

Edema in a sentence

Pharmacology

Definition: The study of drugs and their effects on the body.

• Pharmacology helps us understand how medicines work.
• He is studying pharmacology to become a pharmacist.
• Understanding pharmacology is essential for medical professionals.

Pharmacology in a sentence

Pathophysiology

Definition: The study of how diseases affect the body's functions.

• Pathophysiology helps medical professionals understand illness.
• He learned about pathophysiology in his health science course.
• Understanding pathophysiology is crucial for diagnosing diseases.

Pathophysiology in a sentence

Uremia

Definition: A medical condition resulting from the accumulation of waste products in the blood due to kidney failure.

• Uremia can cause serious health complications.
• He was diagnosed with uremia and required treatment.
• Understanding uremia helps in managing kidney health.

Uremia in a sentence

Azotemia

Definition: A condition characterized by an excess of nitrogenous waste in the blood.

• Azotemia can indicate kidney problems.
• The doctor explained that azotemia requires treatment.
• She learned about azotemia in her biology class.

Azotemia in a sentence

Nephrotoxic

Definition: Harmful to the kidneys; causing damage to kidney function.

• Certain medications can be nephrotoxic if used improperly.
• The doctor warned that the substance was nephrotoxic.
• She learned about nephrotoxic effects in her biology class.

Nephrotoxic in a sentence

Albuminuria

Definition: The presence of albumin in urine, often indicating kidney issues.

• The doctor tested for albuminuria during the check-up.
• Albuminuria can be a sign of health problems.
• Monitoring albuminuria is important for kidney health.

Albuminuria in a sentence

Hyperkalemia

Definition: An elevated level of potassium in the blood.

• Hyperkalemia can affect heart function and muscle activity.
• He was treated for hyperkalemia after the lab results came back.
• Diet changes can help manage hyperkalemia.

Hyperkalemia in a sentence

Hypotension

Definition: Low blood pressure, which can cause dizziness or fainting.

• Hypotension can be a concern for some patients.
• He was advised to monitor his hypotension closely.
• Symptoms of hypotension include weakness and fatigue.

Hypotension in a sentence

Diuretic

Definition: A substance that promotes the production of urine; often used in medicine.

• Coffee acts as a diuretic for some people.
• The doctor prescribed a diuretic to reduce swelling.
• Understanding diuretics can help in managing health.

Diuretic in a sentence

Cystoscopy

Definition: A medical procedure used to examine the bladder and urethra.

• Cystoscopy is performed using a thin tube with a camera.
• The doctor recommended a cystoscopy to investigate her symptoms.
• During the cystoscopy, the doctor looked for abnormalities.

Cystoscopy in a sentence

Immunosuppression

Definition: the reduction of the immune response

• Immunosuppression can increase the risk of infections.
• He faced immunosuppression due to his treatment.
• Understanding immunosuppression is vital for patient care.

Immunosuppression in a sentence

Homeostasis

Definition: The ability of a living organism to maintain stable internal conditions.

• Homeostasis is essential for the body's proper functioning.
• The body regulates temperature to achieve homeostasis.
• Understanding homeostasis is crucial for biology studies.

Homeostasis in a sentence

Nephrectomy

Definition: surgical removal of a kidney

• He underwent a nephrectomy due to health issues.
• Nephrectomy can be necessary for tumors in the kidney.
• Understanding nephrectomy helps patients prepare for surgery.

Nephrectomy in a sentence

Renal Failure

Definition: A medical condition where the kidneys can no longer filter waste from the blood.

• Renal failure requires immediate medical attention.
• She learned about renal failure in her health class.
• Understanding renal failure is crucial for kidney health.

Renal Failure in a sentence

Polycystic

Definition: Referring to having multiple cysts; often used in medical contexts.

• She was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease.
• Polycystic ovaries can affect a woman's hormone levels.
• He studied polycystic conditions in his biology class.

Polycystic in a sentence

Lithiasis

Definition: The formation of stones or calculi in the body, often in the kidneys.

• He was treated for lithiasis due to kidney stones.
• Lithiasis can cause severe pain and discomfort.
• She learned about lithiasis in her biology class.

Lithiasis in a sentence

Renalinsufficiency

Definition: Another term for renal insufficiency, indicating poor kidney function.

• Renalinsufficiency can be managed with medication.
• He learned about the effects of renalinsufficiency on health.
• Understanding renalinsufficiency is important for patients.

Ureter

Definition: The tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder.

• The ureter is an important part of the urinary system.
• She learned about the structure and function of the ureter.
• Understanding the ureter is crucial for kidney health.

Ureter in a sentence

Hemodialysis

Definition: A medical procedure to filter waste from the blood when the kidneys are not working.

• He undergoes hemodialysis three times a week.
• Hemodialysis is crucial for patients with kidney failure.
• Understanding hemodialysis helps in patient care.

Hemodialysis in a sentence

Peritoneal Dialysis

Definition: A medical treatment that uses the lining of the abdomen to filter waste from the blood.

• He underwent peritoneal dialysis to manage his kidney condition.
• Peritoneal dialysis can be done at home.
• The doctor explained how peritoneal dialysis works.

Electrolytes

Definition: plural of electrolyte; substances that create electrically conducting solutions

• Electrolytes are essential for nerve function.
• She replenished her electrolytes after exercising.
• Understanding electrolytes helps in maintaining health.

Glomerulonephritis

Definition: A type of kidney disease that affects the filtering units of the kidneys.

• He was diagnosed with glomerulonephritis after tests.
• Symptoms of glomerulonephritis can include swelling.
• The doctor explained glomerulonephritis to her family.

Glomerulonephritis in a sentence

Renal Insufficiency

Definition: A condition where the kidneys do not function properly.

• He was diagnosed with renal insufficiency and needed treatment.
• Renal insufficiency can lead to serious health issues.
• Monitoring renal insufficiency is crucial for patients.

Renal Insufficiency in a sentence

Diuretics

Definition: Plural of diuretic; multiple substances that increase urine production.

• Diuretics are commonly used to treat high blood pressure.
• The nurse explained how diuretics work.
• They discussed the side effects of different diuretics.

Transplantation

Definition: the act of moving an organ or tissue to another location

• Organ transplantation can save lives.
• He studied transplantation methods in his medical course.
• Understanding transplantation is important for health professionals.

Transplantation in a sentence

Nephrotoxicity

Definition: The condition of being toxic to the kidneys; damage caused to the kidneys.

• Nephrotoxicity can result from prolonged exposure to certain drugs.
• The study focused on nephrotoxicity in patients with kidney disease.
• Understanding nephrotoxicity is important in medication management.

Interstitial Nephritis

Definition: A kidney condition characterized by inflammation of the spaces between kidney tubules.

• Interstitial nephritis can affect kidney function.
• The doctor discussed interstitial nephritis with her patient.
• He researched treatment options for interstitial nephritis.

Renal Biopsy

Definition: A procedure to remove a small piece of kidney tissue for testing.

• The renal biopsy helped diagnose the kidney problem.
• She was nervous before her renal biopsy but felt relieved afterward.
• Doctors use renal biopsy results to plan treatment.

Nephrolithiasis

Definition: the formation of kidney stones

• Nephrolithiasis can cause severe pain and discomfort.
• She learned about nephrolithiasis in her health class.
• Understanding nephrolithiasis helps in prevention.

Nephrolithiasis in a sentence

Hydronephrosis

Definition: A condition where the kidney becomes swollen due to a build-up of urine.

• Hydronephrosis can cause pain and needs medical attention.
• She was diagnosed with hydronephrosis after tests.
• Understanding hydronephrosis is important for kidney health.

Hydronephrosis in a sentence

Renal Replacement Therapy

Definition: Treatment that takes over the function of the kidneys, like dialysis.

• Patients with severe renal failure may require renal replacement therapy.
• She started renal replacement therapy to manage her condition.
• Renal replacement therapy can improve quality of life.

Antihypertensives

Definition: Medications used to lower high blood pressure.

• Antihypertensives can help manage heart health.
• He takes antihypertensives daily as prescribed.
• The doctor discussed different types of antihypertensives.

Vasopressin

Definition: A hormone that helps control blood pressure.

• Vasopressin plays a role in regulating body fluids.
• The body releases vasopressin during times of stress.
• Doctors monitor vasopressin levels in patients.

Vasopressin in a sentence