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Renal Sodium Handling

Meaning

Renal sodium handling is the physiological process executed by the kidneys that controls the reabsorption and excretion of sodium ions, which is the primary determinant of extracellular fluid volume and a critical factor in long-term blood pressure regulation. This precise regulatory function occurs predominantly in the renal tubules, where a complex interplay of transporters and channels mediates sodium movement. The efficiency of renal sodium handling is tightly controlled by the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and natriuretic peptides. Dysregulation of this process, such as excessive sodium retention, is a fundamental contributor to the pathogenesis of hypertension and fluid overload conditions.