Which term describes inflammation of the kidney tissue specifically involving the glomeruli, resulting in leakage of red blood cells and protein into the urine?

• A. Nephritis
• B. Hydronephrosis
• C. Glomerulonephritis
• D. Nephropyrosis

Answer: (C)

Glomerulonephritis is inflammation of the glomeruli, the kidneys’ tiny filtering units. When these glomeruli become inflamed, the filtration barrier becomes leaky, allowing red blood cells and plasma proteins to pass into the urine. That explains both the presence of blood in the urine (hematuria) and protein in the urine (proteinuria) characteristic of this condition.

This term is the best fit because it specifies the location (the glomeruli) and the process (inflammation leading to increased permeability and leakage of cells and protein into urine). In contrast, hydronephrosis is swelling from urine buildup due to obstruction, not inflammation of the glomeruli. Nephropyrosis involves pus in the kidney tissue from infection, not primary glomerular inflammation. A more general term nephritis refers to kidney inflammation overall but doesn’t pinpoint the glomeruli or the exact mechanism of protein and blood leakage seen in glomerulonephritis.