What are the basic physiological functions of the kidneys?

What are the basic physiological functions of the kidneys?

The kidneys are powerful chemical factories that perform the following functions:

  • remove waste products from the body.
  • remove drugs from the body.
  • balance the body’s fluids.
  • release hormones that regulate blood pressure.
  • produce an active form of vitamin D that promotes strong, healthy bones.

What are the four functions of the kidneys?

Their basic functions include:

  • Regulation of extracellular fluid volume. The kidneys work to ensure an adequate quantity of plasma to keep blood flowing to vital organs.
  • Regulation of osmolarity.
  • Regulation of ion concentrations.
  • Regulation of pH.
  • Excretion of wastes and toxins.
  • Production of hormones.

Which important function does the kidney perform?

The primary function of the kidney is to make urine and purify the blood. Each kidney removes waste materials, and other chemicals which are not required by the body.

What disorders affect the functions of kidneys?

Kidney disease means your kidneys aren’t working properly. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) means your kidney function slowly gets worse with time. High blood pressure and diabetes are two common causes of CKD. There is no cure for CKD, but you can take steps to preserve function for as long as possible.

What causes poor kidney function?

The two main causes of chronic kidney disease are diabetes and high blood pressure, which are responsible for up to two-thirds of the cases. Diabetes happens when your blood sugar is too high, causing damage to many organs in your body, including the kidneys and heart, as well as blood vessels, nerves and eyes.

What are the two primary functions of the kidneys?

The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs present in all vertebrates. They remove waste products from the body, maintain balanced electrolyte levels, and regulate blood pressure. The kidneys are some of the most important organs.

What are the two primary functions of the kidney?

Which is the functional unit of the kidney?

Here’s a summary of kidney structure and function based on different parts of the kidney: The Functional Unit of Kidney: Nephron The nephron is the kidney’s functional unit that removes waste from the body. Each kidney has more than a million nephrons in the renal cortex, which gives it a granular appearance on sagittal section.

How are the kidneys involved in the urinary system?

The renal vein exits each kidney to join the inferior vena cava, which transports blood back to your heart. The urinary system depends on proper kidney structure and function. Some of these core actions include: Excretes waste: The kidneys get rid of toxins, urea, andexcess salts.

What do you need to know about kidney function?

High blood pressure. Blood and/or protein in the urine. A creatinine and Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) blood test, outside the normal range. BUN and creatinine are waste that build up in your blood when your kidney function is reduced. A glomerular filtration rate (GFR) less than 60. GFR is a measure of kidney function.

What is the function of the nephron in the kidney?

The nephron is the kidney’s functional unit that removes waste from the body. Each kidney has more than a million nephrons in the renal cortex, which gives it a granular appearance on sagittal section. There are 2 types of nephrons.