Describe the basic physiological functions of the kidneys

What will be an ideal response?


The kidneys maintain homeostatic balance in the body through 3 basic functions:
• Filtration: Continuous filtration of blood removes waste products and fluid.
• Electrolyte/pH balance: the kidney plays a crucial role in regulating the blood levels of electrolytes and maintaining physiological pH (via regulating H+ and HCO3- reabsorption/excretion)
• Blood pressure control
- Specialized cells (of the glomerulus) in the kidneys secrete renin to form angiotensin I
- Angiotensin I is converted to angiotensin II, a powerful vasoconstrictor
- Angiotensin II also stimulates production of aldosterone and control of blood pressure
• Hormone production
- Kidneys produce erythropoietin, a hormone responsible for red blood cell production in bone marrow
- Active form of vitamin D is also produced by the kidneys, allowing calcium to be absorbed

Nutritional Science

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