The kidneys/kidney failure

• What is the primary function of the kidneys?

  To maintain homeostasis
• How do kidneys clean the blood?

  By filtering out waste products
• What process do kidneys use to make urine?

  Filtration
• What happens to useful substances during kidney filtration?

  They are reabsorbed back into the blood
• What substances are removed from the body in urine?

  • Urea
  • Ions
  • Water
• What is urea a product of?

  Protein metabolism
• What happens to excess amino acids in the body?

  They are converted into fats and carbohydrates
• Where does deamination occur?

  In the liver
• Why is ammonia converted to urea?

  Because ammonia is toxic
• How is urea transported to the kidneys?

  In the bloodstream
• What role do ions play in the body?

  They help maintain fluid balance
• How are ions absorbed into the blood?

  From food
• What can happen if the ion or water content is incorrect?

  It can damage cells
• How is water lost from the body?

  Through sweat and breathing
• What regulates the amount of water lost from the body?

  The kidneys
• What hormone controls urine concentration?

  Anti-diuretic hormone (ADH)
• Where is ADH released from?

  The pituitary gland
• How does the brain respond to high water content in blood?

  It reduces ADH release
• What is the role of negative feedback in water regulation?

  It maintains normal water levels
• What happens when water content is too high?

  1. Brain detects high water content
  2. Coordination centre processes information
  3. Pituitary gland releases less ADH
  4. Less water reabsorbed from kidneys
• What happens when water content is too low?

  1. Brain detects low water content
  2. Coordination centre processes information
  3. Pituitary gland releases more ADH
  4. More water reabsorbed from kidneys
• What is the effect of osmotic changes on cells?

  Cells do not function efficiently
• How is excess water, ions, and urea removed from the body?

  Through the kidneys in urine
• What is the process of deamination?

  Conversion of amino acids to ammonia
• What is the role of ADH in kidney function?

  It increases water reabsorption
• What are the treatment options for kidney failure?

  Organ transplant or dialysis
• What are the basic principles of dialysis?

  • Filters blood to remove waste
  • Balances electrolytes
  • Mimics kidney function
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of organ transplant versus dialysis?

  Advantages of transplant:

  • Permanent solution
  • Better quality of life

  
  

  Disadvantages of transplant:

  • Requires donor
  • Risk of rejection

  
  

  Advantages of dialysis:

  • No need for donor
  • Immediate treatment

  
  

  Disadvantages of dialysis:

  • Ongoing treatment
  • Time-consuming
• What are the two main treatments for kidney failure?

  Regular dialysis or a transplant
• What happens if the kidneys do not work properly?

  Waste substances build up in the blood
• What are the consequences of waste substances building up in the blood?

  It can eventually result in death
• How does dialysis treatment help people with kidney failure?

  It performs the job of the kidneys
• What do dialysis machines do?

  They filter the blood
• What happens if the kidneys do not function properly?

  Problems can arise in various body systems
• How often do many patients with kidney failure undergo dialysis?

  Three times a week
• What is the duration of each dialysis session?

  3-4 hours
• What are some potential complications of dialysis?

  Blood clots or infections
• Why is being on a dialysis machine considered unpleasant?

  It is a lengthy and uncomfortable process
• What is a significant advantage of dialysis for kidney failure patients?

  It buys time until a donor organ is found
• What is currently the only cure for kidney failure?

  A kidney transplant