21/04/2022
โญThe Functions of the Kidneysโญ
Yesterday we had a look at the structure of the kidneys so today I wanted to take a closer look at the functions of these amazing organs.
The main role of the kidneys is maintaining homeostasis. They manage fluid levels, electrolyte balance, and other factors that keep the internal environment of the body consistent and comfortable.
The kidneys carry out a wide range of bodily functions:
1๏ธโฃ. Waste excretion
The kidneys remove various waste products and get rid of them in the urine. Some major compounds that the kidneys remove are:
โข Urea and Creatinine
โข Uric acid
โข Drugs
2๏ธโฃ. Reabsorption of nutrients
The kidneys reabsorb nutrients from the blood using tubules and transport them to where they will best support health. They also reabsorb other products to help maintain homeostasis including:
โข Glucose
โข Amino acids
โข Bicarbonate
โข Water
โข Phosphate
โข Chloride, sodium, magnesium, and potassium ions
3๏ธโฃ. Maintaining pH
The kidneys and lungs help keep the bodyโs pH stable. The kidneys manage pH by reabsorbing and producing bicarbonate from urine, which helps neutralise acids.
4๏ธโฃ. Osmolality regulation
Osmolality is a measure of the bodyโs electrolyte-water balance, which is the ratio between fluids and minerals in the body.
5๏ธโฃ. Regulating blood pressure
The kidneys regulate blood pressure through adjustments of sodium excretion and the production of substances such as renin which affect blood pressure.
6๏ธโฃ. Secretion of active compounds
The kidneys release several important compounds including:
โข Erythropoietin
โข Renin
โข Calcitriol