Category: N

An electrochemical impulse which is transmitted by nerve cells. Transmission of stimuli to or from the central nervous system. The electrical activity in the membrane of a neuron that, by its rapid spread from one region to the next, is the means by which information is transmitted within the nervous system along the axons of…

A thin structure leading from a nerve cell and carrying nerve impulses, e.g. an axon.  

A surgical operation to remove all or part of a kidney and the ureter attached to it. Surgical removal of a kidney together with its ureter. This operation is performed for cancer of the kidney pelvis or ureter. It is also undertaken when the kidney has been destroyed by vesicoureteric reflux, to prevent subsequent continuing…

A surgical operation to cut into a kidney. Incision into the kidney, usually performed to remove a stone. Surgical incision into the substance of the kidney. This is usually undertaken to remove a kidney stone. The operation of cutting into the kidney, in search of calculi or for other reasons.  

A surgical operation to make a permanent opening into the pelvis of the kidney from the surface. Surgical formation of an opening that allows the introduction of a small tube into a kidney to drain urine to the surface of the abdomen. Nephrostomy allows urine to bypass a ureter (one of the two narrow tubes…

A type of endoscope used to examine the kidneys. An endoscopic instrument for examining the inside of the kidney. It is normally passed into the renal pelvis of the organ via a route from the surface of the skin. Instruments can be passed through the nephroscope under direct vision to remove calculi (stones) or break…

A condition in which a kidney is mobile. Abnormal, moveable or downward displacement of the kidney. Abnormal descent of a kidney into the pelvis on standing, which may occur if it is excessively mobile (for example, in thin women). If this is accompanied by pain and obstruction to free drainage of urine by the kidney,…

A surgical operation to attach a mobile kidney. Surgical fixation to secure a floating or ptotic kidney. An operation to fix a mobile or ‘floating’ kidney. The kidney is fixed to the twelfth rib and adjacent posterior abdominal wall to prevent descent of the kidney on standing.  

A tumour in the kidney, or a tumour derived from renal substances.  

A doctor who specialises in the study of the kidney and its diseases. A physician specializing in the study and practice of the function, diseases, and disorders of the kidneys. A physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of renal diseases and disorders, specifically pertaining to the kidneys.