Morcellation devices in surgery. Laparoscopic morcellation is commonly used at surgery to remove bulky specimens from the abdomen using minimally invasive techniques. Historically, morcellation was performed using a device that required the surgeon or assistant to manually 'squeeze' the handle.
Endocrine functions of the kidneys. The kidneys produce three important hormones: erythropoietin, calcitriol (1,25- dihydroxycholecalciferol) and renin. They also synthesize prostaglandins, which affect many processes in the kidneys.
Compared to a mouse, a human has nearly 100 times more nephrons, the functional units of the kidneys. Humans may owe these abundant nephrons to a gene called SIX1, according to a new article. Embryonic day 15.5 mouse kidney next to a 15.5 week human fetal kidney with SIX2 (cyan) marking the nephron progenitor cells. The collecting duct system is red, and nuclei are in blue. The best laid plans of mice and men are a bit different -- at least when it comes to kidney development. Compared to a mouse, a human has nearly 100 times more nephrons, the functional units of the kidneys. Humans may owe these abundant nephrons to a gene called SIX1, according to a new article.