Tag: Kidney

Introduction 

Excretion is the process by which wastes and surplus fluid are eliminated from the bloodstream by generating urine in terms of the kidneys. The left and right kidneys are two of the body’s main organs involved in the excretion process. Despite being anatomically similar, there are some slight differences between the left and right kidneys.

What is Kidney?

The kidney is a vital organ in the human body that plays several important roles in maintaining good health. Filtering waste and extra fluid from the bloodstream, maintaining electrolyte balance, and generating hormones that control blood pressure and promote the creation of red blood cells are some of its essential duties as regulating the body’s acid-base balance. There are two kidneys, located on either side of the spine in the lower back, that work together to perform these functions. 

The right and the left kidney are two main types. Both kidneys are nearly identical in size and shape and perform the same functions. They are responsible for filtering waste and excess fluid from the bloodstream, balancing electrolytes, releasing hormones that control the body’s acid-base balance, and blood pressure, and stimulating red blood cell synthesis.

Structure of Kidney

The structure of the human kidney is composed of several different parts that work together to perform its various functions. Some of the key parts of the kidney include:

1. Nephron: The fundamental structural and operational component of the kidney is the nephron. Each kidney contains a little over a million nephrons. Reabsorbing beneficial substances like glucose and amino acids into the bloodstream, the nephron filters the blood.
2. Bowman’s capsule: It surrounds the glomerulus, a network of tiny blood vessels, and helps to filter waste and excess fluid from the bloodstream into the renal tubules.
3. Renal tubules: The renal tubules are a series of tubes that carry waste and excess fluid from the Bowman’s capsule to the ureter. Reabsorbing beneficial molecules like glucose and amino acids back into the bloodstream is another function of the renal tubules.
4. Ureter: The ureter is a tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder.
5. Renal pelvis: Urine from the renal tubules is collected by the renal pelvis, a funnel-shaped organ, and is then directed into the ureter.
6. Blood vessels: The kidney is supplied with blood by the renal arteries and drains into the renal veins. The blood vessels play a crucial role in filtering waste and excess fluid from the bloodstream and in regulating blood pressure.

Functions of the kidney

The kidneys are essential organs that perform several important functions in the human body, including:

1. Filtering waste and excess fluid: Urine is produced by the kidneys as they filter waste and extra fluid from the bloodstream for elimination. This aids in preserving the body’s proper fluid and electrolyte balance.
2. Balancing electrolytes: The kidneys help to regulate the levels of various electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and calcium, in the bloodstream.
3. Regulating blood pressure: The kidneys produce hormones that regulate blood pressure by controlling the amount of fluid in the bloodstream.
4. Stimulating red blood cell production: Erythropoietin, a hormone produced by the kidneys, encourages the bone marrow to create more red blood cells.
5. Regulating acid-base balance: The kidneys help to regulate the body’s acid-base balance by removing excess acid or base from the bloodstream.
6. Producing active vitamin D: Vitamin D is made active by the kidneys, which also aids in calcium absorption and the maintenance of healthy bones.

Maintenance of the kidney

To maintain good kidney health, there are several steps you can take, including:

1. Staying hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps to flush waste and excess fluid from the kidneys and maintain good kidney function.
2. Eating a healthy diet: A diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and low in salt can support kidney function.
3. Managing chronic conditions: It’s crucial to appropriately treat chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure if you want to reduce their negative effects on your kidney health.
4. Avoiding harmful substances: Substance abuse, such as heavy alcohol consumption and smoking, can harm kidney health.
5. Exercising regularly: Regular exercise can help to improve circulation and maintain good kidney health.

Difference Between Left And Right Kidney

The left and right kidneys are almost identical in anatomy and function, with a few minor differences:

1. Location: Due to the liver’s structure, the right kidney is situated slightly lower than the left kidney.
2. Size: The two kidneys are generally of similar size, but in some people, one kidney may be slightly larger or smaller than the other.
3. Blood supply: The left and right renal arteries have slightly different origins and branching patterns, but both supply the kidneys with blood and oxygen.
4. Drainage: While the left kidney drains into the left renal vein, the right kidney drains into the inferior vena cava.

Conclusion

The kidneys are the bean-shaped structures on either side of the spine behind our stomach. It is our body’s major excretory organ. It eliminates metabolic waste from our bodies through urine. Filters the blood as well. Nephrons are the kidney’s structural unit. Individuals with serious health problems are at risk of damaging one or both kidneys. In the event that one kidney fails, the excretory function can be performed normally by the other kidney. Death might result from complete renal failure in both kidneys. In this scenario, dialysis should be attempted first, and if that fails, kidney transplantation should be considered.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What are some diseases related to Kidneys?

Many diseases and conditions can affect the kidneys and their ability to function properly. Some of the most common kidney-related diseases include:

1. Chronic Kidney Disease
2. Glomerulonephritis
3. Acute Kidney Injury 
4. Polycystic Kidney Disease 
5. Nephrotic Syndrome
6. Nephritis
7. Kidney Stones

2. What is the role of electrolytes in the kidney?

The body’s electrolyte balance is crucially maintained by the kidneys. Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electrical charge and are necessary for numerous bodily processes, including sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. The kidneys help regulate the levels of electrolytes in the blood by filtering the blood and reabsorbing the electrolytes that are needed by the body, while excreting the excess through urine.

3. What is the role of the kidney in osmoregulation?

Osmoregulation, or the control of the water balance and electrolyte content in the body, is a critical function of the kidneys. To maintain the right balance of electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, in the blood, the kidneys filter the blood and remove extra water, salt, and waste materials. Through the reabsorption of ions and water, the kidneys actively manage the balance of water and electrolytes in the body in addition to filtering.

Introduction

A system of ductless glands that secrete hormones is known as an endocrine gland system. In the blood, hormones are carried directly to their target organs as chemical messengers. As hormones are synthesized in certain tissues, they trigger a cascade of events that allow for certain cellular responses. Adrenal glands are located above the kidney. They are divided into regions cortex and medulla. Both regions produce hormones that regulate electrolyte balance.

What are Adrenal Glands?

The body contains two adrenal glands. These are located above each kidney. They are a part of our endocrine system. Despite their small size, the adrenal glands are quite important for your body’s hormone-related functions. As a result, elements that affect your adrenal glands may have a big impact on your general health. If you believe you might have an adrenal problem, see a doctor.

Want to get an “A” on your Science exams? Let our expert teachers be your guide towards improving your grades and reaching your highest potential. Watch the related video of this chapter in Class 8 Science lesson no 10.

Location of Gland

The adrenal glands are endocrine glands that are located over the lateral surface of each kidney’s upper poles. The adrenal glands are located at the back of the abdomen, between the kidney and the ribs. They are triangular, and the parietal peritoneum only covers the front of them. The right gland is pyramid-shaped, while the left gland is moderately-lunar.

                                    

Hormones Secreted by Adrenal Gland 

• The gland’s outer layer is called the cortex. It generates both cortisol and aldosterone. The medulla is the gland’s most interior area. It generates both adrenaline and noradrenaline.
• Epinephrine, also referred to as adrenaline, is a hormone that responds swiftly to anxiety by quickening the heartbeat and raising blood sugar levels in the body. 
• Corticosterone controls the immune system and reduces inflammation in conjunction with hydrocortisone. 
• Cortisol: With the help of cortisol, the body controls and utilizes fats, protein, and carbohydrates. In addition, it weakens the immune system and affects physiology, which the body uses to help it cope with worry. 
• Aldosterone: helps the kidneys keep the blood and tissues of the body’s healthy salt chloride level. 
• Norepinephrine, also referred to as noradrenaline, works in conjunction with epinephrine to respond to anxiety. Its primary function is to prepare the body and mind for combat.

Function

• The adrenal glands are responsible for producing several hormones that help control blood pressure, produce several reproductive hormones, and maintain the proper level of salt in our blood and cells. 
• The adrenal glands’ release of stress-inducing hormones causes one of the most well-known reactions, the “conflict of the panic response.” 
• When and how rapidly an adolescent develops their reproductive system, helping during birth 
• Our endocrine system’s pituitary gland, also known as the “master gland,” controls our adrenal glands. The main controller of your endocrine glands is the pituitary gland, which is located inside your skull. Abnormal signals may interfere with the number of hormones your pituitary gland advises your adrenal glands to generate.

Disease-related to the Adrenal Gland

Adrenal gland dysfunction might manifest when 

• When your master gland is unable to efficiently regulate your hormone production, the adrenal glands may form benign or non-malignant tumours or harmful or cancerous tumours. 
• Can suffer from disorders of the adrenal glands. 
• People are born with particular gene diseases.

Cushing’s Disease

People with Cushing’s syndrome have excessive cortisol production from their adrenal glands. The most common cause of this is prolonged use of high dosages of corticosteroids. Lupus, arthritis, and pneumonia are just a few of the disorders that are treated with corticosteroids. They have cortisol-like effects throughout the body. 

Symptoms:

• The round face, the fat accumulation at the base of the neck, and the fat bulge between the arms.
• Skinny arms and thighs
• Gaining weight unnecessarily
• Prone to scarring skin
• On the hips, chest, and stomach, there are wide, violet stretch marks.

Addison Disease

A rare autoimmune ailment called Addison’s disease may develop when your adrenal glands don’t produce enough cortisol or aldosterone. This self-harm sickness may cause your immune cells to attack the tissues of your adrenal glands. 

Symptoms: 

• Arterial pressure is high despite the weight 
• Loss or gain without cause. 
• Hyperglycemia or intolerance to glucose 
• low amounts of potassium 
• Discomfort, stress, or panic episodes

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)

Extremely little cortisol is synthesized in congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a genetic disease. Furthermore, persons who have this condition may also have additional hormonal issues in which their bodies create too much testosterone but not enough aldosterone.

Symptoms: 

• Early acne, body hair, beards, or loud voices (women)
• Rapid growth in children
• Sterility due to underarm hair

Adrenocortical Carcinoma

Adrenocortical carcinoma is a malignant tumour that often develops on the exterior of the adrenal gland. Oftentimes, this type of tumour is only found after it has spread to the body’s other systems over generations.

Summary

The adrenal glands are located above the kidney. Despite their small size, the adrenal glands are quite important for your body’s hormone-related functions. The gland’s outer layer is called the cortex. It generates both cortisol and aldosterone. The adrenal glands’ release of stress-inducing hormones causes one of the most well-known reactions, the “conflict of the panic response.” When your master gland is unable to efficiently regulate your hormone production, the adrenal glands may form benign or non-malignant tumours or harmful or cancerous tumours.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it necessary to have both Adrenal Glands to Survive?
Ans. Since the adrenal glands are necessary for human survival, removing both of them (which is quite unusual) forces the patient to take medications and hormone replacements.

2. Is it Possible to live with just one Adrenal Gland?
Ans. Your doctor will administer painkillers to you. Your body can function regularly if your adrenal gland is working properly. If both of your adrenal glands were lost or if your remaining adrenal gland isn’t functioning properly, you might take medication every day to restore the hormones they were making.

3. Do the Adrenal Glands play a role in Digestion?
Ans. The adrenal glands release the stress hormone cortisone to inhibit bodily processes like the immune response and digestion that are not necessary for immediate survival.

4. What are Hormones that make us Drained?
Ans. The adrenal glands also create the hormone aldosterone, which is problematic since it helps regulate your body’s normal fluid and electrolyte balances. As adrenal depletion increases, it makes your body generate less aldosterone, which results in dryness and electrolyte imbalances.