Kidney Function and Waste Management

The major function of the kidneys is to dispose of waste products from protein metabolism and excrete toxins from the body.

The accumulation of urea in the blood can cause uremic encephalopathy, a brain disorder due to elevated nitrogenous waste.

Juxtamedullary cells in the kidneys secrete renin, which helps regulate blood pressure during dehydration or fluid volume deficit.

<p>'Nephrotoxic' refers to medications or chemicals that can cause damage to the kidneys, impacting their ability to filter waste.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Urea is produced as a waste product of protein metabolism in the body, necessary for the excretion of nitrogenous wastes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Creatinine levels are a sensitive and reliable test for kidney function, indicating the kidneys' efficiency in excreting waste.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The renin-angiotensin system involves the secretion of renin by the kidneys, which then activates angiotensinogen produced by the liver to regulate blood pressure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Erythropoietin is produced by the kidneys to stimulate the production of red blood cells in response to low oxygen levels in the blood.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Erythropoietin stimulates the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow to enhance oxygen transport.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The kidneys maintain acid-base balance by excreting hydrogen ions and reabsorbing bicarbonate from urine.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The renin-angiotensin system regulates blood pressure and fluid balance by constricting blood vessels and stimulating aldosterone secretion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The blood supply for the kidneys begins with the abdominal aorta, branches off into the renal arteries, and eventually reaches the kidneys.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Creatinine levels indicate how well the kidneys remove waste from the blood, with elevated levels signaling impaired function.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Waste products from protein metabolism, like urea and creatinine, are filtered by the kidneys; ineffective filtration leads to accumulation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Erythropoietin stimulates the bone marrow to produce red blood cells in response to low oxygen levels in the blood.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The kidneys maintain acid-base balance by excreting acids, reabsorbing bicarbonate, and regulating hydrogen ion levels based on the body's needs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The kidneys regulate blood volume through fluid retention or excretion, influencing overall blood pressure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>In response to low blood pressure or dehydration, renin is secreted by the kidneys, which converts angiotensinogen to angiotensin 1, leading to the production of angiotensin 2.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The presence of albumin in urine suggests kidney dysfunction, as healthy kidneys typically prevent protein loss.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A slightly acidic urine pH helps prevent the formation of kidney stones and supports optimal bacterial flora.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Angiotensin 2 is a potent vasoconstrictor that increases blood pressure and stimulates thirst, thereby helping to restore blood volume and pressure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Protein metabolism generates urea as a waste product, which is then excreted by the kidneys to manage nitrogen waste.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Aldosterone promotes the reabsorption of sodium and water in the kidneys, which helps increase blood volume and blood pressure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Calcium and phosphorus have an inverse relationship; poor calcium levels can lead to weakened bones, a condition known as osteopenia or osteoporosis.</p> Signup and view all the answers