Facts About Kidneys

Facts About Kidneys: Kidneys are two bean-shaped structures in the human body. They lie on either side of the vertebral column, just below the rib cage. The kidney functions to cleanse the blood from toxins and excess substances and flush them out of the body in the form of urine. In this article, we will discuss some interesting facts about kidneys.

Kidneys

The kidney is an essential organ in your body that helps filter waste and excess fluid from your blood, making urine. It’s shaped like a bean and is about the size of your fist. Each kidney weighs around 150 grams. Kidneys also balance important chemicals like sodium, potassium, and calcium to keep your body working properly. Human kidney on an average filters about 180 litres of blood every day. Nephrons are the functional unit of kidneys.

Facts About Kidneys

Here are some interesting facts about kidneys-

Fact 1

Each kidney filters over 50 gallons of blood daily. They also produce important hormones like erythropoietin, which stimulates red blood cell production.

Fact 2

The kidneys receive about 20-25% of the heart’s output. This high blood supply helps them cleanse and redistribute purified blood effectively.

Fact 3

The kidneys play a key role in regulating blood glucose levels by reabsorbing glucose and producing enzymes involved in glucose metabolism.

Fact 4

Every day, our kidneys filter around 180 liters of blood to produce 1-2 liters of urine. This process removes waste and excess substances from the body.

Fact 5

Kidneys help regulate blood pressure by controlling the volume of blood (by adjusting the amount of water excreted) and releasing key enzymes.

Fact 6

Kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining the body’s water balance. They adjust the reabsorption of water based on hydration levels.

Fact 7

They regulate the balance of electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and phosphate. This balance is critical for cell function throughout the body.

Fact 8

Kidneys help maintain a stable pH level by balancing acid and base levels in the blood, crucial for overall bodily functions.

Fact 9

Kidneys convert vitamin D into its active form, which is vital for maintaining healthy bones by regulating calcium.

Fact 10

The kidneys have a limited ability to regenerate. This can repair minor kidney damage, but major damage may be irreparable.

Conclusion – Facts About Kidneys

In conclusion, the kidneys are remarkable organs with essential roles in maintaining overall health. They efficiently filter blood, regulate fluid and electrolyte balances, and produce crucial hormones. These facts will help you understand the importance of kidney health and the need for regular monitoring to prevent diseases.

FAQs on Facts About Kidneys

What is Kidney and its Function?

The kidney is an organ in the human body responsible for filtering waste and excess substances from the blood to produce urine, helping maintain balance in the body’s internal environment.

How much Blood do the Kidneys Filter Daily?

The kidneys filter over 50 gallons (approximately 189 liters) of blood each day.

What are the Parts of Kidneys?

The main parts of the kidneys include the renal cortex, renal medulla, renal pelvis, and nephrons.

What Hormones do the Kidneys Produce?

Kidneys produce erythropoietin, which stimulates red blood cell production, and renin, which helps regulate blood pressure.

How do Kidneys Affect Blood Pressure?

Kidneys help regulate blood pressure by controlling fluid balance and releasing the enzyme renin.

What is the Role of Kidneys in Bone Health?

Kidneys convert vitamin D into its active form, which is crucial for calcium absorption and bone health.

What are the Signs of Kidney Disease?

Signs of kidney disease include fatigue, swollen ankles, poor sleep, and frequent urination, especially at night.