Question

Describe the role of the kidneys as organs of homeostasis.

Short answer

The kidneys play a vital role in homeostasis by maintaining proper blood pressure, blood volume, acid-base balance, and electrolyte balance within the body. They do this by releasing the enzyme renin, adjusting urine production, excreting excess hydrogen ions, reabsorbing bicarbonate, and regulating the concentrations of essential ions. Their fine-tuned adjustments in filtering the blood and producing urine ensure that the body's internal environment remains stable amidst constantly changing external factors.

Step-by-step solution

Define Homeostasis

Homeostasis is the process through which living organisms maintain a stable internal environment, despite changes in external conditions. The body's various systems work together to maintain equilibrium within key physiological parameters such as body temperature, pH, water balance, and electrolyte concentrations.

Explain the role of kidneys in the body

The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs located near the middle of the back, just below the rib cage. They play a crucial role in filtering blood, removing excess water, ions, and waste products, and excreting them in urine. By doing this, kidneys help maintain the body's chemical balance, regulate blood pressure, and produce hormones.

Describe how kidneys help maintain homeostasis

The kidneys play several critical roles in maintaining homeostasis: a. Regulation of blood pressure: Kidneys release an enzyme called renin, which leads to the formation of angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor. This process raises blood pressure when necessary. Kidneys also regulate blood pressure by adjusting the blood volume through the excretion or retention of water and electrolytes. b. Regulation of blood volume: Kidneys maintain the proper blood volume by regulating the amount of water excreted in urine. When the body needs to conserve water, kidneys reduce urine production. Conversely, when there's excess water in the body, kidneys increase urine production to maintain blood volume within the desired range. c. Acid-base balance: Kidneys maintain the pH of the blood by excreting excess hydrogen ions (H+) into the urine and reabsorbing bicarbonate (HCO3-) from the renal tubules. The extensive buffering capacity of renal mechanisms keeps the blood pH within the narrow range compatible with life. d. Electrolyte balance: Kidneys are responsible for regulating the concentrations of essential ions such as sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+), and chloride (Cl-) in the body. They do this by adjusting the balance between their reabsorption and secretion within the nephron (the functional unit of the kidneys). In conclusion, the kidneys play a vital role in homeostasis by maintaining proper blood pressure, blood volume, acid-base balance, and electrolyte balance within the body. Their fine-tuned adjustments in filtering the blood and producing urine ensure that the body's internal environment remains stable amidst constantly changing external factors.