Neerufunktsioonist

Neerufunktsioonist refers to the collective processes carried out by the kidneys to maintain homeostasis in the body. The kidneys are vital organs responsible for filtering waste products from the blood, regulating fluid balance, and producing hormones essential for various bodily functions.

The primary function of the kidneys is filtration. Blood enters the kidneys through the renal artery and is filtered by millions of tiny structures called nephrons. Within the nephrons, a specialized network of capillaries called the glomerulus filters waste products, excess salts, and water from the blood. This filtered fluid, known as filtrate, then passes through the renal tubules.

As the filtrate moves through the tubules, essential substances like glucose, amino acids, and most of the water are reabsorbed back into the bloodstream. Simultaneously, the tubules secrete additional waste products and excess ions into the filtrate, further refining the composition of urine. This process ensures that valuable nutrients are conserved while metabolic byproducts are efficiently eliminated.

Beyond filtration and waste removal, the kidneys play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure by controlling the body's fluid volume and producing renin, an enzyme that influences blood vessel constriction. They also synthesize erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production in the bone marrow, and produce calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D, which is essential for calcium absorption and bone health. Maintaining proper electrolyte balance, such as sodium, potassium, and calcium levels, is another critical aspect of neerufunktsioonist.