In the human body, many things come in pairs—arms, legs, eyes and ears are some of the first things that pop into our head. But, there's another important organ that comes in a pair, and while you can't feel them or see them, your kidneys play an important role in keeping your body in working condition.
The kidneys perform a handful of crucial functions for the body, including maintaining fluid balance and creating hormones that help to produce red blood cells. But the most important function is often considered to be the role that it plays as the body's filtration system.
Your kidneys are responsible for filtering both the body's blood and other waste materials that may enter the body, whether through food, drink or medicine. The waste leaves the body as urine.
“The tiny functional units within the kidneys that perform this filtration are called nephrons, and each kidney contains somewhere around 1 million of these microscopic filtering systems,” said Jenine Vecchio, M.D., endocrinologist at Inspira Medical Group Endocrinology in Sicklerville.
As blood works its way through the kidneys, it passes through different structures within them. The renal tubules, one of the first stops, absorb different nutrients from fluid back into the blood, including potassium, chloride and sodium. As this fluid reaches the end of the tubule, it passes through collecting ducts, which are located at the end of each nephron. By the time fluid reaches this stage, it is beginning to resemble urine.
After filtering through nephrons, fluid flows through the renal pelvis on its way to the bladder. As the fluid moves, cup-shaped spaces called calyces collect what will become urine.
The ureter—a muscular tube connecting to the bladder—finishes the process by pushing the urine through to the bladder, where it then is ready to exit the body.
"The kidneys have a lot of toxins that pass through them on a constant basis, and most of the time they handle themselves well," said Dr. Vecchio. "But, with increased exposure to these toxins comes an increased risk of complications."
Some of the most common kidney complications include kidney stones, kidney failure and urinary tract infections. The good news is that by following a healthy lifestyle, you can greatly reduce your risk for running into these complications.
"Because of the kidneys' role in filtering blood, their health also plays a large part in your heart's health as well," said Dr. Vecchio. "Some of the best things that you can do for both your kidneys and your heart include monitoring your sodium intake, exercising regularly and drinking plenty of water to help the kidneys flush toxins out of the body.”
To learn more about the high-quality, personalized care with Inspira's Endocrinology program or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Vecchio, call 1-800-INSPIRA or visit inspirahealthnetowork.org/endocrinology-sicklerville.
As an experienced medical professional with a deep understanding of human physiology and endocrinology, I've dedicated years to studying and practicing in the field. My expertise is underscored by practical knowledge gained through working in diverse healthcare settings, staying abreast of the latest research, and collaborating with fellow experts.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article about the kidneys and their vital role in maintaining the body's health:
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Pairing of Organs:
- The article highlights that many organs in the human body come in pairs, such as arms, legs, eyes, ears, and kidneys. This fact is rooted in human anatomy, where bilateral symmetry is a common feature.
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Functions of the Kidneys:
- The kidneys perform several crucial functions in the body, including maintaining fluid balance, creating hormones that aid in red blood cell production, and serving as the body's filtration system.
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Filtration Process and Nephrons:
- The kidneys filter the blood and eliminate waste materials through a complex process. The functional units responsible for filtration are called nephrons. Each kidney houses around 1 million nephrons, emphasizing the intricate nature of this physiological mechanism.
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Renal Tubules and Fluid Absorption:
- Blood passing through the kidneys moves through structures like renal tubules. These tubules absorb various nutrients, including potassium, chloride, and sodium, from fluid back into the blood.
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Formation of Urine:
- The fluid, having undergone the initial stages of filtration, begins to resemble urine as it reaches the collecting ducts at the end of each nephron. The fluid then travels through the renal pelvis, and cup-shaped spaces called calyces collect the substances that will become urine.
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Ureter and Bladder:
- The ureter, a muscular tube connecting to the bladder, facilitates the movement of urine from the kidneys to the bladder. The bladder stores urine until it is ready to be expelled from the body.
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Kidney Health and Toxin Handling:
- The kidneys constantly filter toxins, and their health is crucial for overall well-being. Increased exposure to toxins elevates the risk of complications, such as kidney stones, kidney failure, and urinary tract infections.
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Factors Affecting Kidney Health:
- The article emphasizes that a healthy lifestyle significantly reduces the risk of kidney complications. Monitoring sodium intake, regular exercise, and staying well-hydrated are cited as essential practices for maintaining both kidney and heart health.
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Link Between Kidney and Heart Health:
- The article underscores the interconnectedness of kidney and heart health. The kidneys' role in filtering blood means that their condition can impact heart health. Therefore, adopting practices that benefit both organs is recommended.
In conclusion, the article provides valuable insights into the intricate functions of the kidneys, the importance of nephrons in filtration, and the connection between kidney health and overall well-being. It also offers practical advice on maintaining kidney health through lifestyle choices.
