Comparative Physiology of the Vertebrate Kidney

1. Introduction.- 1.1 The Comparative Approach.- 1.2 Environmental Requirements in Regulating the Water and Solute Composition of the Internal Environment.- 1.3 Possible Roles of Kidneys in Regulating Water and Solute Composition of the Internal Environment.- 1.4 Useful Reviews on Comparative Renal Physiology.- 2. Renal Morphology.- 2.1 Introduction.- 2.2 Gross Internal and External Morphology.- 2.3 Fine Internal Structure.- 3. Initial Process in Urine Formation.- 3.1 Introduction.- 3.2 Filtration of Fluid by Glomeruli.- 3.3 Secretion of Fluid by Tubules.- 4. Transport of Inorganic Ions by Renal Tubules.- 4.1 Introduction.- 4.2 Sodium and Chloride.- 4.3 Potassium.- 4.4 Hydrogen Ion.- 4.5 Calcium.- 4.6 Phosphate.- 4.7 Magnesium.- 4.8 Sulfate.- 5. Transport of Fluid by Renal Tubules.- 5.1 Introduction.- 5.2 Fluid Absorption.- 5.3 Fluid Secretion.- 6. Transport of Organic Substances by Renal Tubules.- 6.1 Introduction.- 6.2 Glucose.- 6.3 Bicarbonate.- 6.4 Amino Acids.- 6.5 Urea.- 6.6 Ammonia.- 6.7 Organic Acids and Anions (Except Amino Acids, Urate, and Lactate).- 6.8 Urate.- 6.9 Lactate.- 6.10 Organic Cations.- 7. Diluting and Concentrating Processes.- 7.1 Introduction.- 7.2 Range of Urine Osmolality.- 7.3 Process and Sites of Dilution.- 7.4 Process of Concentration.- 7.5 Regulation of Urine Osmolality.- 8. Integrative Summary of Renal Function.- 8.1 Introduction.- 8.2 Integrative Summary Within Each of the Major Vertebrate Groups.- 8.3 Summary Comparisons and Contrasts of Renal Function Among Groups of Vertebrates.- References.