Functions of the kidney

Functions of the kidney

1.           Manufacture Urine:

2.           Elimination of wastes from the body e.g. breakdown production of protein-urea, urates uric Acid, creatinine, ammonia and sulphate.

3.           Elimination of toxins.

4.           Secretion of useful substances to the body. Rennin and erythropoietin.

5.           Regulation of the concentration of solute in the blood, regulate concentration of major ions in the body such as sodium No, chlorine CL potassium K+ and calcium C2+.

6.           Regulation of pH of the extracellular fluid; the kidneys secrete variable amount of H+ to help regulate the extra cellular fluid pH.

7.           Regulation of RBC synthesis. The erythro erythropoietin secreted by the kidneys regulates the synthesis of RBC in the bone marrow.

8.           Vitamin D synthesis: it plays important role in controlling C2+ level in blood by regulating the synthesis of vitamin D.

9.           Regulation of blood volume: by producing either a large volume of dilute urine or a small volume of concentrated urine.