Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance

Fluid Balance

Anatomy & Physiology

26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance

Fluid Balance

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3:03 minutes

Problem 14

Textbook Question

Besides ridding the body of wastes formed during cell metabolism, the kidney adjusts blood chemistry in other ways. What are these three other ways?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the primary functions of the kidney: The kidney is responsible for maintaining homeostasis in the body by regulating various aspects of blood chemistry beyond waste removal.

Step 1: Regulation of blood pH - The kidney helps maintain acid-base balance by excreting hydrogen ions (H⁺) and reabsorbing bicarbonate ions (HCO₃⁻) as needed. This process ensures the blood pH remains within the normal range of 7.35-7.45.

Step 2: Regulation of electrolyte balance - The kidney adjusts the levels of key electrolytes such as sodium (Na⁺), potassium (K⁺), calcium (Ca²⁺), and chloride (Cl⁻) in the blood by filtering and reabsorbing these ions based on the body's needs.

Step 3: Regulation of blood pressure - The kidney plays a role in controlling blood pressure through the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). When blood pressure drops, the kidney releases renin, which triggers a cascade of reactions leading to vasoconstriction and sodium retention, ultimately increasing blood pressure.

Step 4: Regulation of blood volume - The kidney adjusts blood volume by controlling the amount of water reabsorbed or excreted in the urine. This is influenced by hormones such as antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and aldosterone, which help maintain proper hydration and blood pressure.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Regulation of Electrolytes

The kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and calcium in the blood. They achieve this by filtering these substances from the blood and reabsorbing the necessary amounts back into the bloodstream, while excreting the excess through urine. This regulation is vital for normal cellular function and overall homeostasis.

Acid-Base Balance

The kidneys help regulate the body's pH level by controlling the excretion of hydrogen ions and the reabsorption of bicarbonate from urine. By adjusting these levels, the kidneys maintain a stable acid-base balance, which is essential for proper metabolic processes and enzyme function. This mechanism helps prevent conditions such as acidosis or alkalosis.

Blood Pressure Regulation

The kidneys contribute to blood pressure regulation through the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). When blood pressure drops, the kidneys release renin, which initiates a cascade that ultimately increases blood volume and constricts blood vessels, raising blood pressure. This process is critical for ensuring adequate blood flow to organs and tissues.

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Related Practice

Textbook Question

Dan has been lost in the desert for 2 days with very little water. As a result of this exposure, you would expect to observe which of the following?

(a) Increased ADH levels

(b) Decreased blood osmolarity

(d) Increased blood volume

(e) Cells enlarged with fluid

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Textbook Question

Yuka is dehydrated, so her physician prescribes intravenous fluids. The attending nurse becomes distracted and erroneously gives Yuka a hypertonic glucose solution instead of normal saline. What effect will this mistake have on Yuka’s plasma ADH levels and urine volume?

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Textbook Question

Effects of aldosterone include:

a. Increase in sodium ion excretion

b. Increase in water retention

c. Increase in potassium ion concentration in the urine

d. Higher blood pressure

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Textbook Question

Low blood pressure detected by the cells in the green box directly stimulates the release of:

a. Aldosterone

b. Renin