Overall, the excretory system plays key physiological role in the body.
Of great physiological significance are the kidneys.
Therefore, the objective of this presentation is to present an overview of the impact of stress on kidney functions.
INTRODUCTION
- Overall, the excretory system plays key physiological role in the body.
- Of great physiological significance are the kidneys.
- Therefore, the objective of this presentation is to present an overview of the impact of stress on kidney functions.
Kidney Structure
- The kidney is a bean-shaped structure, and it comprises of different regions which perform different functions.
The main parts of the kidney are:
- Renal capsule- protects the kidney by enclosing it.
- Renal cortex – this is the reddish-colored outer part of the kidney. It holds the functional structures; the glomeruli, Bowman’s capsules, distal and proximal convoluted tubules, and blood vessels.
- Renal medulla – this is the interior portion of the kidney. It holds the renal pyramids.
- Renal pelvis – funnel-shaped cavity where urine drains from kidney nephrons (Fosbery 2004).
- Renal artery – supplies the kidney with oxygenated blood.
- Renal vein – carries deoxygenated blood from the kidney.
- Kidney nephron – kidney’s functional unit. It is estimated that each kidney comprises of a million nephrons.
- Collecting duct – drains the nephron.
- Ureter – conveys urine to the urinary bladder. (Rieg & Kohan 2014)
Function of Kidneys
Therefore, kidneys, the principal excretory organs carry out an array of functions.
- They are involved in the maintenance of the body’s homeostasis.
- Some of the main homeostatic functions that are performed by the kidneys include;-
- Regulates acid levels (acid-base balance)
- Regulates blood pressure (ions and water balance) (Bouby & Fernandes 2003)
- Maintains water balance
- Excretes wastes by filtering of toxins from blood
- Regulates red blood cells
- Quote paper
- Patrick Kimuyu (Author), 2018, Stress Response and Kidney Function, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/411950