Study Guide on the Kidney

The kidney as we know is an essential part of our body and it functions as an organ that majorly extracts excess water content from our body and as well supports the human body in maintaining a proper balance of several fluids present within the body. In addition to this, the kidney also assists the body in effectively removing the waste materials out of our body. From the study, it has been well acknowledged that failure of kidneys may lead to deadly damages within the human body and most times may lead to the death of that individual. It is easily understandable that without kidneys it is very difficult to survive. 

What is a kidney and where is it located?

Kidneys are body organs, which look “bean-shaped” they are two in number and they resemble the shape of a human fist. These bean-shaped organs are located in the region that is just beneath the “rib cage” of human anatomy. They are located on either side of the spine of the human body. Kidneys are pairs of organs within the abdominal region and they sincerely support in controlling the blood pressure within the body. Kidneys are responsible for the removal of excess water and fluids and as well, as works as an extractor of waste products. Moreover, it can be stated that kidneys are “powerful chemical factories”.

What are the respective parts of the kidney?

Considering the anatomy of a human body, it is noted that the kidney consists of three respective parts. The parts constitute an “outer renal cortex”, an “inner renal medulla” and lastly, a “renal pelvis”. However, it can be considered that “nephrons” serve as a basic unit to both structural and as well as functional parts of the kidney. These units called nephrons are located within the regions of the cortex partly and that of inner regions of “renal pyramids’ ‘ partly. Moreover, it can be said nephrons perform the primary functions that are associated with kidneys. 

Functions of kidney

In simpler terms, kidneys function catering to varied parts of human anatomy, and are quite complex. The primary functions are stated below.

• Kidneys act as a removal organ for waste products that are being generated by the human body.
• Kidneys support the body to effectively maintain the balance of several fluids within our body.
• To regulate the “blood pressure”, these bean-shaped organs actively release necessary hormones that regulate the pressure within the human body.
• Kidneys are quite effective in producing a type of “active form of vitamin D” within the human body to promote the healthy growth of bones.
• The production rates of “red blood cells or RBCs” are also controlled by the kidneys.

Relation of the kidney with that of human anatomy

An intricate relationship is acknowledged in terms of kidneys and that of the human body, as to survive human needs to as well intake and outturn. They perform a continuous process that supports the removal of unwanted waste materials. Kidneys primarily receive blood from the “renal arteries’ ‘ and release blood through “renal veins’ ‘. They also serve the balance of several minerals as well as chemicals that are found within the human body. Malfunctioning of kidneys may lead to accumulations of waste products and materials within the human body. 

What happens when the kidney malfunctions?

Several reasons are found that lead to malfunctioning of kidneys, which may constitute “severe dehydration”, “kidney trauma”, “toxic exposures or improper medication processes”, “chronic diseases”, and many more. All these lead to the malfunctioning of kidneys and result in ineffective filtration processes associated with kidneys in the human body. Furthermore, it can be noted that when the kidney ceases to function or malfunction it leads to swelling up the body by a collection of waste materials. This condition is termed “uraemia”. The individual may lead to having “dry and itchy skins”, may have to go for frequent urination, or may lead to “puffiness” of the eyes.

What are kidney stones and how can they be removed?

“Kidney stones’ ‘ are quite common a disease found in the human body; they are “hard masses’ ‘ that are found in the kidney regions. “Kidney stones” are also known as “renal calculi”. Possible causes are found for the formation of these kidney stones, which may be due to eating too much salt and sugar and drinking too little water. “Kidney stones’ ‘ can be removed by both surgery and as well as proper medication procedures.

Conclusion 

In concluding the study, it can be acknowledged that a brief idea of the bean-shaped organ, the kidneys are catered to with their respective responsibilities. We also get an understanding that kidneys serve as indelible parts of human anatomy.  Moreover, an idea has also been provided that provides a vivid picture of the structure of the kidneys. In addition to these, the conditions are as well discussed that occur due to malfunctioning of kidneys.