Amazing facts about the kidneys
12:03 AM May 15, 2024 IST
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GK HEALTH DESK
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- Blood Supply: Despite their relatively small size, the kidneys receive about 20-25% of the blood pumped by the heart each minute.
- Nephrons: Each kidney contains around 1 million microscopic units called nephrons, which are responsible for filtering blood and producing urine.
- Waste Removal: Kidneys play a crucial role in removing waste products and toxins from the body, including urea, creatinine, and excess minerals.
- Regulating Blood Pressure: They help regulate blood pressure by controlling the volume of blood and levels of sodium and potassium in the body.
- Red Blood Cell Production: The kidneys produce erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow.
- Acid-Base Balance: They maintain the body's acid-base balance by excreting hydrogen ions and reabsorbing bicarbonate ions.
- Vitamin D Activation: Kidneys play a role in activating vitamin D, which is essential for calcium absorption and bone health.
- Fluid Balance: They help regulate fluid balance in the body by adjusting the volume and concentration of urine produced.
- Size: On average, adult human kidneys are about the size of a fist and weigh around 120-150 grams each.
- Location: Kidneys are located in the lower back, on either side of the spine, just below the rib cage.
- Purification: In a day, the kidneys filter approximately 200 liters (53 gallons) of blood to produce about 2 liters (0.5 gallons) of urine.
- Efficiency: Despite their small size, kidneys are incredibly efficient organs, capable of filtering the entire blood volume roughly 60 times a day.
- Longevity: The kidneys can function normally even if one kidney is removed or damaged, highlighting their resilience and redundancy.
- Lifespan: The average lifespan of a kidney transplant from a deceased donor is about 12-15 years, while a kidney from a living donor can last significantly longer, sometimes even a lifetime.
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