12 Main Function Of The Kidney

Table of Contents

Main Function of The Kidney – Everyone has a pair of kidneys in their body. Just like other organs, this organ that is also known as renal should be kept in health so as to work optimally and free of problems.

The kidney become one of the main organs in the body. Various functions performed this organ, such as filtering the blood and secreting or removing fluids from the body. Because it is located inside the body, many people do not realize that their kidneys are having problems. In fact, various signs will arise from those who suffer from kidney disease.

Main Function of The Kidney

Kidney (renal) is located along the back of the muscular wall (posterior muscle) of the abdominal cavity. The shape of the organ is like a nut with a size of a fist, with a length of about 12 centimeters and a width of 6 centimeters.

As with other organs, the kidneys play an important role in the human body. Here are the Main Function of The Kidney:

Filtering and cleansing the blood

The first kidney function is to filter and cleanse the blood from foreign substances and compounds that enter the body through the consumption of daily food and drink. Before being circulated throughout the body, blood first passes through the screening process in the kidneys, especially in the nephron. Residual waste from this process it will be disposed of along with urine.

The kidneys filter 200 liters of blood every day. Of the many filtered blood, there are 2 liters of waste that must be excreted through urine. Because of this, the organ is equipped with a pair of ureters, a bladder, and a urethra that will carry urine out of the body.

Monitor and control water balance in the body.

The kidneys ensure that the body tissues receive enough water in order to work properly. The kidneys react to water content changes in the body. When the water intake in the body is reduced or dehydration, the kidney function in this case is to hold the water, rather than dispose of it.

Regulate blood pressure and salt level in blood

The way, by producing the renin enzymes. The kidneys require stable pressure and blood flow to be able to filter the blood.

Regulate red blood cells

When the body does not get enough oxygen, the kidneys will secrete the hormone erythropoietin, which is a hormone that stimulates the production of more red blood cell oxygen carriers. When oxygen levels or red blood cells are back to normal, this hormone will cease to be produced.

Adjusting the body’s ion balance

A good body must have balanced body ions. This is because the body’s ion balance is essential for nerve and muscle function. The kidneys have the function to regulate the balance of the body’s ions through excretory activities.

Regulate vitamin D production

In addition to regulating red blood cell production, kidney function can also regulate the production of vitamin D. Generally, humans get vitamin D from sunlight or vitamins. However, the vitamin D is still in inactive form.

The kidneys have a function to convert the inactive form of vitamin D into a substance called calcitriol, which is the active form of vitamin D. So renal function also as a producer of active vitamin D or calcitriol.

This calcitriol is very important in the absorption of calcium for bones. Therefore, if your kidneys are damaged, then the absorption of calcium will be impaired and can also cause disturbances in the formation of muscles and bones.

Other functions:

Regulate the body’s acid and base levels.
Regulate the amount of potassium in the blood.
Controlling blood sugar levels.
Role in the process of glucose formation.
Recycle substances in the body.
Maintaining mineral and electrolyte concentrations.

As important as the role of the kidney in the body, it is necessary if both kidneys are kept in health, so that it can always function properly. Although a person can live normally with only one kidney, but in the long run it will be more risky to experience various health disorders. Therefore, having two healthy kidneys is certainly better.

Read also: How to prevent kidney stones?

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