{"id":32060,"date":"2024-03-08T13:26:16","date_gmt":"2024-03-08T12:26:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/test.nefrocenter.it\/where-the-kidneys-are-and-what-they-do\/"},"modified":"2024-03-08T13:26:16","modified_gmt":"2024-03-08T12:26:16","slug":"where-the-kidneys-are-and-what-they-do","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/test.nefrocenter.it\/en\/where-the-kidneys-are-and-what-they-do\/","title":{"rendered":"Where the kidneys are and what they do"},"content":{"rendered":"

Where the kidneys are and what they do. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located in the lower part of the back. On either side of the spine. They are about the size of a fist. They have a very important role: the kidneys filter waste from the blood, regulate the balance of fluids and electrolytes in the body, produce hormones that help control blood pressure and the production of red blood cells, and regulate the level of calcium in the body. Their proper functioning is essential for overall health. <\/span><\/p>\n

Where the kidneys are and how they filter the blood<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The kidneys, then, are located in the lower part of the back: now that we know where they are, we need to understand what they do. They filter the blood through a process called glomerular filtration. Blood rich in oxygen and nutrients enters the kidneys through the renal arteries. Then the blood flows through the glomeruli, which are tiny capillaries grouped into units called nephrons. The glomeruli are semipermeable, which means that they allow water, small molecules and waste substances to pass through. At the same time, they hold back blood cells, proteins and larger molecules.<\/span><\/p>\n

The role of Bowman’s capsule and the renal tubules<\/strong><\/h4>\n

The filtrate that passes through the glomeruli is collected in Bowman’s capsule, which surrounds each glomerulus. It then passes through the renal tubules, where reabsorption and secretion take place. Nutrients, water and electrolytes that are useful to the body are reabsorbed from the filtrate and returned to the blood. Waste substances and excess water, on the other hand, are secreted from the blood into the filtrate. This<\/span>,<\/b> commonly called urine, leaves the kidneys through the ureters and flows toward the bladder. Urine, in fact, collects in the bladder until it is eliminated from the body through the urethra. The kidneys filter about 180 liters of blood per day, producing about 2 liters of urine. The process of glomerular filtration is essential for maintaining the balance of fluids and electrolytes in the body, eliminating waste substances and regulating blood pressure.<\/span><\/p>\n

Regulation mechanisms<\/b><\/h4>\n

The kidneys regulate the reabsorption and secretion of fluids and electrolytes according to the needs of the body. Several hormones, including antidiuretic hormone (ADH), aldosterone and angiotensin II, help regulate the reabsorption and secretion of fluids and electrolytes. ADH increases the reabsorption of water in the renal tubules, reducing the amount of urine produced. Aldosterone, on the other hand, increases the reabsorption of sodium and the secretion of potassium in the renal tubules. Angiotensin II increases the reabsorption of sodium and water in the renal tubules.<\/span><\/p>\n

Imbalances of fluids and electrolytes<\/b><\/h4>\n

An imbalance of fluids and electrolytes can cause various health problems, including:<\/span><\/p>\n