kidney’s role in osmoregulation and excretion Flashcards
(6 cards)
What are the two main functions of the kidney
Excretion – Removes metabolic waste like urea, excess salts, and water from the blood.
Osmoregulation – Controls the water and salt balance in the body to maintain homeostasis.
What are the main parts of the urinary system and their functions?
Kidneys: Filter blood, form urine
Ureters: Carry urine from kidneys to bladder
Bladder: Stores urine
Urethra: Releases urine from the body
What is the structure of the kidney tubule (nephron) and the function of each part
Bowman’s capsule: Filters blood from glomerulus
Proximal tubule: Reabsorbs glucose, amino acids, and water
Loop of Henle: Maintains water balance by concentrating urine
Distal tubule: Further salt and water balance
Collecting duct: Final water reabsorption, influenced by ADH
What is the role of ADH in kidney function and homeostasis
ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone) controls water reabsorption in the collecting duct
When dehydrated: more ADH → more water reabsorbed → concentrated urine
When hydrated: less ADH → less water reabsorbed → dilute urine
What happens when the kidneys fail
Toxic waste (like urea) builds up in the blood
Leads to uremia, swelling, and imbalanced ions
Body loses control of water and salt balance
How does dialysis help in kidney failure?
Dialysis is a machine that filters the blood
Removes wastes, excess salts, and water
Acts as an artificial kidney to maintain life until a transplant
