Kidneys

• Blood is filtered through a renal capsule
• Urea, water, ions, glucose and occasionally amino acids go through
• Proteins and cells don't go through - they are too big
• Kidneys reabsorb all glucose, some water and some ions
• Selective re-absorption
• Glucose reabsorbed by active transport
• Urea not reabsorbed
• Urea travels to bladder - forms urine with excess water and ions

• Formed in liver
• From breakdown of amino acids
• Mixes with water and ions to make urine

Advantages

• No rejection drugs need to be taken
• Can be done overnight
• No waiting list
• No worry of rejection

Disadvantages

• More expensive
• Not a long term solution
• Deoendent on machines to stay alive
• Have to have a fistular fitted
• Have to be careful with diet
• Risk of infection

Advantages

• Cheaper
• Long term solution
• Lead almost normal life
• Not dependent on machines

Disadvantages

• Must take anti rejection drugs for rest of life
• Weakens the immune system
• Chance of rejection
• Can still die - life expectancy not as long as normal person
• Risk of complications in surgery
• Long waiting list