Most Important Anatomical Diseases In The Human Body

The kidneys are two of the most important anatomical structures in the human body because of their role in removing excess water and waste that has accumulated as a normal by-product of metabolic activity. A healthy pair of kidneys does an effective job of filtering molecules from the bloodstream that are no longer useful to the body while preventing the escape of particles that the body can still use. It accomplishes this feat through the use of a specialized membrane that is strategically placed next to the blood vessels that transport blood through the kidneys. This membrane contains tiny holes that are just large enough to allow water and waste particles to cross over into the collection tubes, but small enough to block larger and more important molecules like proteins from exiting the bloodstream.
When the blood vessels or the filtration membranes in the kidneys are damaged, the body is no longer able to selectively excrete particles that may cause harm in large quantities.
This leads to an unhealthy accumulation of water and waste that eventually causes swelling in the hands and feet, a metallic taste in the mouth, abnormally high or low urine production, muscle spasms, fatigue, mental changes, dry skin, and much more. Unfortunately, the prevalence of these types of symptoms has been increasing in the United States over the past several years because of the number of new cases of renal failure that have resulted from chronic diet and exercise related illnesses such as diabetes and high blood pressure. The vast majority of the people who develop kidney damage are required to receive long-term dialysis treatment or a kidney transplant in order to survive. This approach to medical management can be very stressful for patients and it is important for the public to develop an appreciation for renal health before kidney failure
occurs.

The trend towards widespread kidney disease in the US is highly concerning to public health professionals who believe that improved public awareness about the health consequences of renal failure is one of the only effective ways to reduce the number of new cases entering the healthcare system each year. Although many people are aware of the basic filtration function of the kidneys, few understand the other responsibilities that the kidneys have in the body including blood pressure regulation and hormone secretion. A more in-depth appreciation for the diverse responsibilities of the kidneys may help people develop a greater understanding of why kidney health is so important and why they should take steps to prevent the likelihood of renal failure in the future.

Within the kidneys there is a specialized mechanism that is capable of detecting abnormally high or low blood pressure. The ability of the kidneys to monitor blood pressure allows it to excrete and retain varying levels of water so as to help maintain the steady state conditions that the body depends on for survival. If the blood pressure increases to a level that is concerning, the kidneys will filter additional fluid to attempt to bring the pressure down. When the pressure drops to dangerously low levels, the kidneys retain above average amounts of fluid in order to increase the level of fluid circulating through the blood vessels. In addition to filtration and blood pressure regulation, the kidneys are responsible for secreting a hormone known as erythropoietin (EPO) in response to abnormally low levels of red blood cell concentration. EPO circulates through the blood stream until it reaches the bone marrow where it signals for increased red blood cell production. This ensures that the blood has the carrying capacity it needs to deliver enough oxygen and nutrients to the tissues.