Final answer:
The study of kidney function falls under the branch of medicine known as nephrology, which uses various tests to assess renal function, including urine and blood tests.
Step-by-step explanation:
The study of kidney function is an example of nephrology, which is a branch of medicine that deals with the diseases of the kidneys. Renal function tests are important in nephrology to determine the state of the kidney and its role in renal physiology. These tests, which include urine samples and blood samples, are essential for assessing how well the kidneys are performing their vital functions. A variety of tests such as concentrating capacity of the kidney, excretion of dyes, and clearances of substances are used to evaluate kidney function. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the need for kidney dialysis underscore the importance of understanding renal function. A nephrologist is a specialist who is trained to study these kidney diseases and manage the conditions that arise from them.
The determination of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is crucial for assessing the excretory function of the kidneys. An estimated GFR can help guide the dosing of medications that are primarily excreted by the kidneys to prevent toxic accumulations. Moreover, a simple routine urinalysis can serve as a preliminary screening tool for potential kidney problems, and further tests such as the determination of concentration or the presence of protein in urine can provide more specific diagnoses. The concentration test is a specific example where the ability of kidneys to reabsorb filtered water is measured, indicating function.