Explain the Dialysis

By now, you must have well understood the functions of kidney and the implications of abnormal kidney functioning as well. Here in this section, we shall be focusing on a alternate strategy in case of kidney failure or improper kidney function. This process is referred to as dialysis. The word dialysis means a form of diffusion i.e., a form of filtration to separate the macromolecules from ions and low molecular weight compounds in a solution through a semi-permeable membrane. In simple terms, dialysis is a therapy which eliminates the toxic wastes from the body when the kidney fails, and cannot do its job of eliminating these toxic wastes. An artificial kidney can be made by using a semi-permeable membrane between the blood and the dialyzing fluid. The artificial kidney uses the cellulose membranes in place of the phospholipid-bilayer membranes used by real kidneys to separate the components of blood. Parallel chains form linkages with one another by hydrogen bonding to make strong fibers. These fibers in turn, interact to form the strong, sheet- like structure of the membrane. It requires the cannulation (insertion of a tube) of an artery and a vein to enable the blood to be passed through the dialyzing apparatus. When the kidneys do not function correctly, dialysis should be performed artificially. Without this artificial kidney dialysis, toxic wastes build up in the blood and tissues and cannot be filtered out by the ailing kidneys. This condition is termed as uremia that exactly means urine in the blood. Ultimately, this waste build-up leads to death.

The composition of a dialyzing fluid is adjusted so as to restore the blood to its correct composition. Such a technique, if carried out every few days, helps a patient with kidney failure to survive. The main functions of dialysis include clearing wastes from the blood, restoring proper balance of fixed electrolytes in the blood and eliminating extra fluid from the body.