Body’s water balance

• What hormone controls the water level in the blood?

  ADH
• How does ADH affect kidney tubules?

  It makes them more permeable to water
• What happens when blood becomes too concentrated?

  The pituitary gland releases ADH
• What is the result of ADH release on urine production?

  Less urine is produced
• What occurs when blood water levels return to normal?

  The pituitary gland stops releasing ADH
• What is a negative feedback cycle?

  A process that counteracts changes
• What happens when a person drinks a large amount of water?

  The pituitary gland stops releasing ADH
• What is kidney dialysis used for?

  To adjust water, ions, and urea levels
• How does kidney dialysis work?

  Blood passes over a semipermeable membrane
• What does the semipermeable membrane allow during dialysis?

  Urea, ions, and water to pass through
• What is the role of dialysis fluid in kidney dialysis?

  It contains normal concentrations of water and ions
• Why is the dialysis fluid constantly refreshed?

  To maintain a concentration gradient for urea
• What are the disadvantages of kidney dialysis?

  It requires frequent hospital visits
• What is a kidney transplant?

  Replacing a diseased kidney with a healthy one
• What is a potential issue with kidney transplants?

  The donated kidney may be rejected
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of kidney dialysis and kidney transplants?

  Advantages of dialysis:

  • No shortage of machines
  • Immediate treatment available

  
  

  Disadvantages of dialysis:

  • Frequent hospital visits
  • Controlled diet required
  • Long-term expense

  
  

  Advantages of transplants:

  • Patients can lead a normal life
  • Initial expense only

  
  

  Disadvantages of transplants:

  • Shortage of donors
  • Need for lifelong anti-rejection drugs
• What is the initial cost difference between kidney dialysis and kidney transplants?

  Dialysis is expensive long-term
• Why do kidney transplant patients need anti-rejection drugs?

  To prevent the immune system from rejecting the kidney
• How does kidney dialysis affect a patient's lifestyle?

  It requires frequent treatments and diet control