KIDNEY
Description:
Humans have two kidneys, which are bean-shaped and located below the ribs. Their main contribution to the Urinary System is to filter blood and to manage fluids in the body. The functional unit of a kidney is a nephron, with millions of them within the cell. As blood enters into a nephron through the renal artery, it encounters the glomerulus, which allows mostly water to pass through the tubules within the nephron. After this filtration, the tubules and blood vessels will exchange materials, with nutrients required being reabsorbed into the blood and waste products like acid going to the tubules. The blood will flow out of the kidney via the renal vein, and the resulting fluid in the tubule is urine, which then goes to the ureter.
Diseases and Conditions
Kidney Stones
Also called nephrolithiasis, it is the collection of salts and minerals in the urine can become small pebble-like clumps, causing pain during urination. They can happen if the urine lacks fluids, and they are often composed of things such as calcium, struvite, uric acid, and cystine. Most kidney stones will pass through the body by themselves but may require surgery if too large.
Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus
Kidneys cannot regulate fluids properly with ADH, which usually triggers water retention. With this disease, kidneys cannot sense ADH changes. leading to urination and thirst.
Nephrotic syndrome
A group of symptoms that allows proteins to flow into the urine rather than remain in blood vessels. Diseases that cause it include membranous nephropathy (thickening of glomeruli), diabetes, and lupus. It can lead to swelling of the lower body or edema.
Acute Kidney Failure
Sudden malfunction of the kidneys caused by the stop of blood flow to the kidneys, a blocking of urine out of the kidney, or direct damage. It may lead to less urination or seizures in extreme cases.
Renal Cell Carcinoma
A type of kidney cancer that causes blood during urination, weight loss, anemia (lack of red blood cells), and high blood pressure.