Kidneys & Homeostasis

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  • Created by: Jo Wells
  • Created on: 27-04-13 17:19
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  • Kidneys & Homeostasis
    • removal of urea
      • proteins can't be stored by body
        • process occurs in liver
          • urea is produced as a waste product from the reactions
            • urea = poisonous
              • is released into bloodstream by liver
                • kidneys then filter it out of the blood
                  • temporarily stored in bladder in urine & then excreted from body
        • excess amino acids are converted into fats & carbs, which can be stored
    • adjustment of ion content
      • ions (e.g. sodium) are taken into body in food, then absorbed into blood
      • if ion content (or water) is wrong, it upsets balance between ions and water
        • meaning too much/too little water is drawn into cells via osmosis
          • having wrong amount water can damage cells
      • excess ions are removed by the kidneys
        • some ions are also lost in sweat
    • adjustment of water content
      • water is taken in as food & drink & is lost in urine, sweat & the air we breathe out
      • body has to constantly balance water coming in against water going out
        • we can't balance how much we lose in our breath, but body can balance liquids consumed, amount sweated out & amount excreted by the kidneys in the urine
          • on a cold day
            • if don't sweat, produce more urine = pale & dilute
          • on a hot day
            • sweat a lot, produce less urine = dark coloured & concentrated
    • sports drinks replace lost water, sugar & ions
      • help the body keep things in order
        • water & ions replace those lost in sweat, while sugar can replace sugar used by muscles in exercise
      • some claim to rehydrate you faster than water or improve endurance

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