Explain the kidney function in human biology, Biology

Assignment Help:

Explain the Kidney Function in human biology?

Blood first enters the capillaries in Bowman's capsule where it is filtered. The pores in the capillary walls allow water and small molecules to pass through, but are too small to allow red blood cells and large protein molecules to pass. The process by which material is filtered into Bowman's capsule is not very selective, and some of these substances that are of value to the body need to be reclaimed. Material filtered through the capillary walls into Bowman's capsule flows along the renal tubules. The process by which material is returned to the blood through the walls of the tubules is called tubular reabsorption.

Sodium, potassium, calcium, other minerals, and glucose are returned by active transport. These substances then enter the capillaries by diffusion. Water is returned by osmosis mostly in the proximal convoluted tubule, following the movement of glucose. There is additional reabsorption of salts and nutrients from the distal convoluted tubule, but this section of tubule also removes wastes and other substances not originally filtered out by Bowman's capsule through a process called tubular secretion. The pH of the blood is adjusted by the secretion of hydrogen ions into the filtrate. Potassium ions, ammonia, and certain drugs are eliminated by secretion from the distal convoluted tubules.

The loops of Henle function to concentrate the filtrate by establishing an osmotic gradient in the extracellular fluid around the loops that will later pull water from the collecting ducts. The ascending limb of the loop pumps NaCl out by active transport, but the ions cannot diffuse back in because this portion of the loop is impermeable to water. Salts can diffuse into the descending limb, but these are pumped out again when they reach the ascending loop, increasing the extracellular ionic concentration. When the filtrate reaches the collecting ducts, its osmotic concentration is much lower than the extracellular fluid of the medulla, so it loses water by osmosis and becomes more concentrated. As much as 99% of the water that goes through the tubules and collecting ducts is returned to the blood.

 


Related Discussions:- Explain the kidney function in human biology

What is the difference among white and red blood cells, What is the differe...

What is the difference among white and red blood cells? What are leukocytes? Red blood cells are erythrocytes and white blood cells are the leukocytes. Leukocytes are cells

Can our experiences change our brain, Can our experiences change our brain ...

Can our experiences change our brain A. It is now know by Scientists that brain is remarkably "plastic:" it continues to change during the course of life in accordance with our

How long do flowers usually last, How long do flowers usually last? Som...

How long do flowers usually last? Some flowers, like Bachelors Buttons, Zinnias, Marigolds, and Petunias last pretty much from the time they begin blooming until frost. Others,

What is cardiac tamponade, Q. What is Cardiac tamponade? Cardiac tampon...

Q. What is Cardiac tamponade? Cardiac tamponade is that situation where increase in pericardial fluid raises the intrapericardial pressure which interferes with diastolic filli

What are important terms in accommodation and convergence, What are importa...

What are important terms in accommodation and convergence? Accommodation and Convergence In this section some important terms are included: a. How a person is able to foc

Explain radiation sterilization, Explain radiation sterilization Variou...

Explain radiation sterilization Various studies have been conducted which show the effect of processing on vitamins especially, thiamine. In one study, which compared the effec

Difference between eye and camera, Difference between Eye and Camera - ...

Difference between Eye and Camera -   Camera   Ey e 1. Box.   2. Black inner paint   3. Shutter   4. Diaph

Fidelity - synthetic characters, Fidelity - Synthetic Characters Fidel...

Fidelity - Synthetic Characters Fidelity refers to the degree to which a species is restricted in its occurrence to a particular kind of community. The species with low fideli

How are the concepts of dna, How are the concepts of DNA, gene, proteins an...

How are the concepts of DNA, gene, proteins and characteristics of living beings related? Characteristics of organisms depend on chemical reactions that happen in them. These r

What will happen to resting membrane potential, What will happen to resting...

What will happen to resting membrane potential if potassium succinate were injected into the intracellular environment (cytoplasm) of a neuron?

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd