Introduction

Clinical Nutrition
Lesson 29: Renal disease

Introduction

The kidneys are glands that are located in the abdominal region just above the pelvis on either side of the body. When functioning normally, the kidneys separate and filter excess water and waste from the blood stream. The kidneys are responsible for producing urine, which is used to flush away the toxins. The kidneys also maintain a healthy balance of fluids and electrolytes, or salt compounds, in the body.

The basic filtering unit of the kidney is called the nephron. Every kidney has about a million nephrons. In the nephron, tiny blood vessels called capillaries intertwine with tiny urine-carrying tubules. By filtration, the small ions and molecules from the blood are removed. The valuable components among these are re absorbed. The excess is sent out with the urine. Each day, the kidneys pump about 200 litres of blood through 140 miles of tubes and millions of filters.

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Last modified: Saturday, 5 November 2011, 3:03 PM