You probably know that the kidneys play an important role in maintaining blood pressure within the normal range. You might also know that they do this by regulating blood volume and the degree of arterial contraction or dilation (the systemic vascular resistance). But do you know how the kidneys do this? The answer is the kidneys accomplish this primarily through a set of hormones and enzymes known together as the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). In this AudioBrick, we will discuss the components, functions, and regulation of the RAAS.

After listening, you should be able to:

Outline the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, including sensors, factors that control it, sources of hormone release, and the actions of each hormone

Describe the mechanisms by which it regulates blood pressure

Compare and contrast tubuloglomerular feedback with the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system

Learn more about Rx Bricks by signing up for a free USMLE-Rx account: www.usmle-rx.com

You will get 5 days of full access to our Rx360+ program, including nearly 800 Rx Bricks.  After the 5-day period, you will still be able to access over 150 free bricks, including the entire collections for General Microbiology and Cellular and Molecular Biology.

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