The
kidneys are two bean-shaped organs in the renal system. They help the body pass
waste as urine. They also help filter blood before sending it back to the
heart.
The
kidneys perform many crucial functions, including:
·
maintaining overall fluid balance
·
regulating and filtering minerals
from blood
·
filtering waste materials from food,
medications, and toxic substances
·
creating hormones that help produce
red blood cells, promote bone health, and regulate blood pressure
Nephrons
are the most important part of each kidney. They take in blood, metabolize
nutrients, and help pass out waste products from filtered blood. Each kidney
has about 1 million nephrons. Each has its own internal set of structures.
Renal corpuscle
After
blood enters a nephron, it goes into the renal corpuscle, also called a
Malpighian body. The renal corpuscle contains two additional structures:
·
The
glomerulus. This is a cluster of capillaries
that absorb protein from blood traveling through the renal corpuscle.
·
The Bowman
capsule. The remaining fluid, called
capsular urine, passes through the Bowman capsule into the renal tubules.
Renal tubules
The
renal tubules are a series of tubes that begin after the Bowman capsule and end
at collecting ducts.
Each
tubule has several parts:
·
Proximal
convoluted tubule. This
section absorbs water, sodium, and glucose back into the blood.
·
Loop of
Henle. This section further absorbs
potassium, chloride, and sodium into the blood.
·
Distal
convoluted tubule. This
section absorbs more sodium into the blood and takes in potassium and acid.
By
the time fluid reaches the end of the tubule, it’s diluted and filled with
urea. Urea is byproduct of protein metabolism that’s released in urine.
The
renal cortex is the outer part of the kidney. It contains the glomerulus and
convoluted tubules.
The
renal cortex is surrounded on its outer edges by the renal capsule, a layer of
fatty tissue. Together, the renal cortex and capsule house and protect the
inner structures of the kidney.
The
renal medulla is the smooth, inner tissue of the kidney. It contains the loop
of Henle as well as renal pyramids.
Renal pyramids
Renal
pyramids are small structures that contain strings of nephrons and tubules.
These tubules transport fluid into the kidney. This fluid then moves away from
the nephrons toward the inner structures that collect and transport urine out
of the kidney.
Collecting ducts
There’s
a collecting duct at the end of each nephron in the renal medulla. This is
where filtered fluids exit the nephrons.
Once
in the collecting duct, the fluid moves on to its final stops in the renal
pelvis.
The
renal pelvis is a funnel-shaped space in the innermost part of the kidney. It
functions as a pathway for fluid on its way to the bladder
Calyces
The
first part of the renal pelvis contains the calyces. These are small cup-shaped
spaces that collect fluid before it moves into the bladder. This is also where
extra fluid and waste become urine.
Hilum
The
hilum is a small opening located on the inner edge of the kidney, where it
curves inward to create its distinct beanlike shape. The renal pelvis passes
through it, as well as the:
·
Renal
artery. This brings oxygenated blood
from the heart to the kidney for filtration.
·
Renal
vein. This carries filtered blood
from the kidneys back to the heart.
Ureter
The
ureter is a tube of muscle that pushes urine into the bladder, where it
collects and exits the body.
Use this interactive 3-D diagram to
explore the kidney.
Because
of all of the vital functions the kidneys perform and the toxins they
encounter, the kidneys are susceptible to various problems.
Some
of these conditions include:
·
acidosis
·
uremia
·
azotemia
Kidney
conditions can cause a range of symptoms. Some common ones include:
·
trouble sleeping
·
fatigue
·
inability to concentrate
·
dry, itchy skin
·
increased or decreased urination
·
puffiness around the eyes
·
foot or ankle swelling
·
reduced appetite
·
muscle cramps
If
you notice any of these symptoms, contact your doctor. Depending on your
symptoms, they may do some kidney function tests to make a diagnosis.
The
kidneys are important organs that affect many other body parts, including the
heart. Follow these tips to keep them working efficiently:
Avoid extra salt
Eating
a lot of salty foods can disrupt the balance of minerals in the blood. This can
make it harder for the kidneys to work properly. Try swapping out processed
foods — which usually have a lot of added salt — for whole foods, such as:
·
fresh fruits and vegetables
·
lean cuts of meat
·
nuts
Exercise
High
blood pressure is a known risk factor for chronic kidney disease. Regular
exercise, even for just 20 minutes a day, can help reduce blood pressure.
Stay hydrated
Drinking
plenty of water helps the kidneys perform one of their most important
functions: removing toxins. Learn more about how much water you should really be drinking
every day.
Use medications with caution
Regularly
taking certain over-the-counter medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can cause kidney
damage over time. Occasionally taking them is fine, but work with your doctor
to find alternatives if you have a condition that requires managing pain, such
as arthritis.
Know the risk factors
Several
things can increase your risk of developing a kidney condition. Make sure you
regularly have your kidney function tested if you:
·
have diabetes
·
are obese
·
have high blood pressure
·
have a family history of kidney
disease
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