What are the functions of the kidneys and what are they? The question is very interesting. We all know approximately what kind of body it is, but it is unlikely that the majority will be able to give an exact definition. Well, it is worth correcting this and telling all the most basic and important things about this organ.
Short definition
Telling about the functions of the kidneys, the first thing to do is to give a full definition of this term. It will be right. The kidneys are a paired bean-shaped organ that regulates the chemical homeostasis of the human body. And this happens due to the function of urination. For the same reason, this organ is part of the urinary system. It is located in the retroperitoneal space (to be more precise, in the lumbar region, on both sides of the spine). And finally, the kidneys are the organ that plays the most important, main role in the process of producing urine. And this, as you know, is a liquid that contains substances that are essentiallywaste.
Formation of urinary fluid
When discussing what functions the kidneys perform, this should be said first. Since the formation of urine is the main “duty” of this organ. Initially, water and other fluids are filtered through three layers of the glomerular filter (renal corpuscle, a kind of “sieve”). Mostly proteins and plasma pass through it. Then the primary urine is collected in the tubules. From them, the fluid necessary for the body is absorbed, as well as various nutrients. The last step is called tubular secretion. During this process, all the substances that the body does not need pass from the blood into secondary urine, which then accumulates in the bladder. To put it simply, everything that can be useful to us remains in the blood and is distributed through the vessels. And harmful substances that can harm the body or provoke a disease, malaise, virus - come out in the form of urine. Thus, it becomes clear why the kidneys are often called our filter.
Things to know
What are the functions of the kidneys in addition to removing metabolic end products from the body? Actually many. There are five of them - excretory, homeostatic, metabolic, endocrine and protective. The one described above is the first. And I would like to focus on it.
It is interesting that in 24 hours about 1500 (!) liters of blood pass through our kidneys! And few people know that about 180 liters of urine comes out of them. The number seems incredible. But really - 180 liters of urine out of 1500 liters of blood. However, this is only the initial stage. Then water is absorbed by the body. In total, at the final stage, a maximum of two liters of urinary fluid is formed, which a person emits. By the way, the composition of this liquid is as follows: 95% water and 5% dry solids. But this, of course, in a normal person. So, for example, in people suffering from alcoholism, urine contains protein (and alcohol processing products). This is due to a disruption in the normal functioning of the kidneys. In alcoholics, these organs look terrible, and it was possible to find out during anatomy. The kidneys are wrinkled, blackened, with yellowish spots and large swellings (overgrown connective tissue). Such organs are not able to function normally. As a result, all toxic substances simply continue to remain in the blood. And accordingly, the most serious diseases arise and develop, the worst result of which is a fatal outcome.
Homeostatic and metabolic functions
These are also very important processes. When discussing the function of the human kidneys, one cannot forget about homeostatic and metabolic ones. This organ regulates blood metabolism, namely, removes excess bicarbonate ions and protons from the blood. In addition, it affects the fluid balance in the human body by controlling the content of ions.
And also the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, the breakdown of peptides, amino acids - that's what the kidneys do! It is in this organ that usefulVitamin D is converted to the D3 form, which is so necessary for a person to maintain a he althy immune system. And the kidneys are actively involved in the process of protein synthesis. So not only the formation of urine is the “duty” of this body.
Synthesis and protection
This is the last thing to mention when talking about the function of the kidneys in the body. This organ, in addition to the above, is also involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins, renin, calcitriol and erythropoietin. Speaking in a simple and understandable language, it helps to form various hormones and enzymes, which are vital for us. These substances regulate the pressure in the arteries, stimulate the blood, maintain circulation balance and control the amount of calcium in the body.
And finally, protection. Here is another function of the kidneys in humans. With their help, various foreign substances (or simply harmful) are neutralized that are in the body. These are alcohol, nicotine, drugs and powerful drugs. It is desirable to minimize the amount of these consumed substances. Of course, it will not work out completely: if a person does not smoke or drink, then he sometimes takes medications, and this also creates a burden on the kidneys. So it's worth protecting them. To do this, you need to drink clean water (you can use mineral water), green tea, pestilence from lingonberries and cranberries, a drink from honey and lemon, parsley broth. In general, you need at least 2 liters of fluid per day. If you follow this simple advice, thenit will be possible to maintain the kidneys in excellent condition and also prevent the formation of stones. It is also advisable to give up coffee, alcohol and soda. It only destroys the kidney cells.
