neerufunktsiooni

Neerufunktsiooni refers to the physiological processes carried out by the kidneys. These vital organs are responsible for filtering waste products and excess fluid from the blood to produce urine. This filtration is crucial for maintaining the body's fluid and electrolyte balance, regulating blood pressure, and producing hormones that stimulate red blood cell production and promote bone health.

The kidneys perform several key functions. They excrete metabolic wastes like urea and creatinine, as well as excess salts and water. This process is facilitated by millions of microscopic units called nephrons, each containing a glomerulus and a tubule. Blood enters the glomerulus under pressure, where small molecules are filtered out into the tubule. As this filtrate moves through the tubule, essential substances like glucose, amino acids, and most of the water are reabsorbed back into the bloodstream. The remaining waste products and excess water are then eliminated as urine.

Beyond waste removal, kidneys play a significant role in regulating blood composition. They control the levels of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and calcium, which are vital for nerve function, muscle contraction, and overall cellular activity. Furthermore, the kidneys produce renin, an enzyme that helps regulate blood pressure, and erythropoietin, a hormone that signals the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. They also activate vitamin D, which is essential for calcium absorption and bone metabolism. Impaired neerufunktsiooni can lead to a wide range of health problems, highlighting the importance of maintaining healthy kidney function.