kidney

• What is the main role of the kidneys?

  To filter blood and remove waste
• What is the main waste product filtered by the kidneys?

  Urea
• How is urea produced 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 is the process called where the kidneys filter blood?

  Filtration
• What is selectively reabsorbed in the kidneys?

  Glucose, some water, but not urea
• How can we think of the process of selective reabsorption?

  Like cleaning out a house and keeping essentials
• What structure in the brain detects water concentration?

  The hypothalamus
• What hormone is released when water levels are low?

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

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

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

  A system that maintains balance by adjusting levels
• What are the main functions of the kidneys?

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

  1. Hypothalamus detects water concentration
  2. If low, signals pituitary gland to release ADH
  3. ADH increases water reabsorption in kidneys
  4. If high, less ADH is released, producing more urine