The Kidneys

• What is the primary function of the kidneys?

  They act as filters to clean the blood
• How do the kidneys produce urine?

  By taking waste products out of blood
• What substances do the kidneys filter out of the blood?

  Waste products and unwanted substances
• What is the process called that adds needed substances back into the blood?

  Selective reabsorption
• What types of substances are removed from the body in urine?

  Proteins and amino acids
• Why can't proteins be stored by the body?

  They are broken down into amino acids
• What happens to excess amino acids in the body?

  They are converted into fats and carbohydrates
• Where does the conversion of amino acids occur?

  In the liver
• What is the process called that converts ammonia into urea?

  Deamination
• What is the main toxic substance produced from amino acid breakdown?

  Ammonia
• How is urea transported in the body?

  It is transported to the kidneys
• What happens to ions like sodium in the body?

  They are absorbed into the blood from food
• What can happen if the body's ion balance is wrong?

  It could upset the body's balance
• What can excessive water loss from the body cause?

  It can damage cells and affect function
• What is a sign of excess ions in the body?

  Salty taste in sweat
• What must be maintained for proper ion balance in the body?

  The right balance of ions must be maintained
• How is the right amount of ions maintained in the body?

  By the kidneys filtering and reabsorbing
• What happens to ions after they are filtered by the kidneys?

  They are reabsorbed into the blood
• What is the role of the skin in water loss?

  It loses water through sweat
• How does breathing affect water loss?

  Water is lost when breathing out
• What can affect the amount of water lost through breathing?

  Environmental conditions and activity level
• How is the balance of water maintained in the body?

  By the amount consumed and lost
• What is the relationship between water intake and kidney function?

  Water intake affects kidney filtration rates
• What happens if the body loses too much water?

  It can lead to dehydration and cell damage
• How does the body respond to dehydration?

  By conserving water and reducing urine output
• What is the role of the kidneys in maintaining homeostasis?

  They regulate water and ion balance
• What is the significance of maintaining the right balance of water and ions?

  It is crucial for proper cell function
• How does the body balance water intake and loss?

  Through thirst signals and kidney function
• What is the impact of excessive water intake?

  It can lead to water intoxication
• What are the two treatments for kidney failure?

  Regular dialysis or a transplant
• What is the role of the kidneys in filtering blood?

  They remove waste and excess substances
• What happens if kidneys stop working properly?

  Waste substances build up in the blood
• What happens to the substances filtered by the kidneys?

  They are either reabsorbed or excreted
• What is the consequence of waste substances building up in the blood?

  It can lead to death
• How do kidneys contribute to homeostasis?

  By regulating blood composition and volume
• How can people with kidney failure be kept alive?

  By having dialysis treatment
• What is the consequence of an imbalance in water and ion levels?

  It can disrupt normal bodily functions
• What do dialysis machines do?

  They perform the job of the kidneys
• What is the importance of urine in the excretion process?

  It removes waste and excess substances
• What is the purpose of dialysis fluid?

  To filter waste substances from the blood