Kidney

• What is the main role of the kidneys?

  To filter blood and remove waste
• What is the main waste product produced by the liver?

  Urea
• How is urea formed in the body?

  Through deamination of excess amino acids
• Why is it important to regulate ion levels in the body?

  To prevent cell damage and maintain function
• What ions do we commonly get from our diet?

  Sodium and potassium ions
• How do we lose ions from our body?

  Primarily through sweating
• What is the main way the body regulates water levels?

  Through the kidneys in urine production
• What happens to cells when there is too much water in the body?

  They swell and may burst
• What occurs if the body has too little water?

  Cells lose water and shrink
• What structures in the kidneys are responsible for filtering blood?

  Nephrons
• What is the process called when the kidneys absorb useful substances?

  Selective reabsorption
• What analogy is used to describe selective reabsorption?

  Cleaning out your house
• What does the hypothalamus detect in the bloodstream?

  The concentration of water
• What hormone does the pituitary gland release when water levels are low?

  ADH (antidiuretic hormone)
• What effect does ADH have on the kidneys?

  Increases water reabsorption
• What happens when water levels in the bloodstream are too high?

  Less ADH is released
• What is a negative feedback loop in the context of water regulation?

  A system that maintains balance in water levels
• How does the body respond to high water levels?

  Produces more urine
• What are the main functions of the kidneys?

  • Filter blood to remove waste
  • Regulate levels of ions and water
• Describe the process of water regulation in the body.

  1. Hypothalamus detects water concentration
  2. Signals pituitary gland to release ADH
  3. ADH increases water reabsorption in kidneys
  4. Adjusts urine production based on water levels
• What are the consequences of imbalanced water levels in cells?

  • Too much water: cells swell and burst
  • Too little water: cells shrink and dehydrate
• What is the role of nephrons in the kidneys?

  • Filter blood
  • Reabsorb useful substances
  • Produce urine