Facts About Kidneys For Kids: See What Our Bean-Shaped Organ Does
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Most people are born with a pair of kidneys that sit just below the rib cage.
Shaped like beans, kidneys play an important role in purifying toxins from the bloodstream. You can think of them as powerful factories within the body.
Each kidney is approximately as big as a fist. They are constantly at work filtering bodily fluids and regulating blood pressure. Kidney disease is a major disease associated with this organ, and unfortunately, it can affect anyone. Medical professionals have researched drugs and therapies to combat kidney diseases, but there is still no known cure.
Functions Of A Kidney
Proper kidney functioning is critical for the human body to stay alive. This pair of organs filters blood to remove toxins and waste. The kidney makes urine from this waste.
Kidneys contain millions of units known as nephrons. Each nephron has a filtering unit (made up of tiny vessels) called the glomerulus. Blood enters the glomerulus and is filtered, and then the remaining fluid passes through the attached tubule. Here water and chemicals are added or removed as per the body's needs to form urine.
Urine is then stored in the bladder until it is excreted. The bladder can store urine for up to eight hours. However, it is not healthy to hold urine for very long.
Importance Of A Kidney
The kidneys may be small, but they perform a vital function as part of the urinary system. The main function of the kidneys is to filter blood to remove waste products. About 47.5 gallons (180 l) of fluid passes through the kidneys every day. This waste is removed in the form of urine.
The kidneys are also responsible for maintaining a balance of fluids in the body. If the kidneys cannot function efficiently, the body may begin to retain fluid which, in turn, leads to swelling in the ankles. If fluid collects in the lungs, you may face shortness of breath.
The kidneys also regulate the production of oxygen-carrying red blood cells and release hormones that control blood pressure (BP) levels. One of the lesser-known kidney facts for kids is that the kidneys produce Vitamin D, which helps to strengthen bones
Diseases Associated With The Kidney
Chronic kidney disease is the most common disease associated with the kidney. This is a chronic illness that is often caused by high BP and uncontrolled diabetes. Over time, it causes kidney functions to deteriorate. There is no cure for chronic kidney disease.
When the kidneys cannot filter blood, the condition is termed as kidney failure. Dialysis can help but will not cure the condition or reverse it. Ultimately, the person will need a kidney transplant.
Kidney stones develop when minerals crystallize in the kidneys. Kidney stones can be very painful. Small stones may pass out of the body with urine, but medication may be required for bigger stones.
Glomerulonephritis is a condition that refers to the inflammation of the tiny filters in the kidney known as glomeruli. This condition often improves on its own.
Polycystic kidney disease is a genetic disorder that causes the development of cysts in the kidneys. This can interfere with kidney functioning and lead to kidney failure.
Urinary tract infections are bacterial infections that affect the kidneys and other organs in the urinary system. These infections are easily treatable, but should not be left unaddressed.
FAQs
What are some interesting facts about kidneys?
Apart from purifying blood, kidneys also produce red blood cells and Vitamin D.
How do I explain what kidneys do to kids?
Kidneys are organs that purify the blood and produce red blood cells and certain hormones critical to BP regulation.
Can you live without kidneys?
A person without both kidneys will be dependent on dialysis or will need a transplant.
How is the kidney damaged?
Kidneys can be damaged by other illnesses, congenital defects, exposure to drugs and toxins, or a poor diet.
Which food is good for the kidney?
To maintain healthy kidneys, drink enough water and eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
What color is urine when your kidneys are failing?
When a person's kidneys start failing, the color of urine can darken to become brown, red, or purple. This is one of the most prominent symptoms of the condition.
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Bachelor of Science specializing in Microbiology
Oluwatosin MichaelBachelor of Science specializing in Microbiology
With a Bachelor's in Microbiology from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Oluwatosin has honed his skills as an SEO content writer, editor, and growth manager. He has written articles, conducted extensive research, and optimized content for search engines. His expertise extends to leading link-building efforts and revising onboarding strategies.
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