![]() There are many causes of chronic kidney disease. What Are Some of the Causes of Chronic Kidney Disease?Ĭhronic kidney disease is defined as having some type of kidney abnormality, or "marker", such as protein in the urine and having decreased kidney function for three months or longer. The urine we excrete has been stored in the bladder for anywhere from 1 to 8 hours. About two quarts are removed from the body in the form of urine, and about 198 quarts are recovered. The kidneys perform their life-sustaining job of filtering and returning to the bloodstream about 200 quarts of fluid every 24 hours. In the tubule, chemicals and water are either added to or removed from this filtered fluid according to the body's needs, the final product being the urine we excrete. When blood enters the glomerulus, it is filtered and the remaining fluid then passes along the tubule. A nephron consists of a filtering unit of tiny blood vessels called a glomerulus attached to a tubule. Each kidney contains up to a million functioning units called nephrons. ![]() There are two kidneys, each about the size of a fist, located on either side of the spine at the lowest level of the rib cage. Where Are the Kidneys and How Do They Function? What are the warning signs of kidney disease?.Where are the kidneys and how do they function?.control the production of red blood cellsīelow you will find more information about the kidneys and the vital role they play in keeping your body functioning.produce an active form of vitamin D that promotes strong, healthy bones.release hormones that regulate blood pressure.The kidneys are powerful chemical factories that perform the following functions: ![]() Other hormones produced by the kidneys help regulate blood pressure and control calcium metabolism. For example, a hormone produced by the kidneys stimulates red blood cell production. The kidneys also produce hormones that affect the function of other organs. The critical regulation of the body's salt, potassium and acid content is performed by the kidneys. This process is necessary to maintain a stable balance of body chemicals. The production of urine involves highly complex steps of excretion and re-absorption. These waste products and excess fluid are removed through the urine. Most people know that a major function of the kidneys is to remove waste products and excess fluid from the body. Learn how the kidneys and kidney patients are affected here.
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