RENAL SYSTEM

 

The kidneys produce urine and are the main organs of the urinary system (often called Excretory System)

 

An important function of the kidneys is to excrete Nitrogenous waste (mostly urea) dissolved in the urea. The body is unable to store excess proteins so amino acids that are not immediately required are broken down in the liver to make urea , this urea is carried in the bloodstream to the kidneys for elimination. (All the blood in the body passes through the kidneys in 5 minutes)

 

The Kidneys also carry out the following

 

1)    Regulation of the water content of the body fluids

2)    Regulation of the chemical composition of the body fluid

3)    Regulation of the pH of body fluid

 

Structure of the Kidney

 

Each kidney has many blood vessels and approximately one million nephrons (kidney tubules)

 

How does the kidney function ? – One paragraph (Class Research)

 

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