Kidneys are the organs that help filter waste products from the blood. They are also involved in regulating blood pressure, electrolyte balance, and red blood cell production in the body.
Today we have studied one of these at the laboratory. Specifically, we performed a dissection of this organ of the excretory system.
First, we have seen the size of the organ, its external form, identifying the main parts such as the renal cortex,
ureter and renal artery and vein.
We have also tried to
understand how the kidney works through the nephron, which is the
functional unit of this small organ. Thanks to it, urine is produced in our
body.
Did you know that we
have over one million of nephrons in each kidney?
Some causes of kidney failure are treatable and the
kidney function may return to normal. Unfortunately, kidney failure may be
progressive in other situations and may be irreversible.
As we age kidney function gradually decreases over
time.
If the kidneys fail completely, the only treatment
options available may be dialysis or transplant.
Did you know that…
...kidney stones are caused by high levels of calcium and
phosphorus in the urine?
Some food may cause kidney stones in certain people.
You may be more likely to get a kidney stone if you have
- a
family history of kidney stones
- repeating,
or recurrent, urinary tract infections
- blockage of your urinary tract
- digestive problems
- a
condition that affects levels of substances in your urine that can cause
stones to form
You may also be more likely to get a kidney stone if
you don’t drink enough fluids.
