Kidney Function

Unit 6: Option 2 - Seminar Asynchronous Discussion

Kidney Function

Abstract

The kidneys function as important homeostatic mechanisms for many conditions in the body.  This paper briefly describes the changes in urine production that would occur in a patient who has suffered a surgical injury to the hypothalamus.

Kidney Function

The kidneys are critical to the body’s ability to achieve homeostasis. The following paragraphs will briefly describe changes in urine production that would occur in a patient who has suffered a surgical injury to the hypothalamus, which is a large part of the body’s internal sensory triggering mechanism.

An important fact to note is that several other organ systems work symbiotically to achieve the optimum cycle of the body’s functions. The first step in assessing the impact of a damaged hypothalamus on urine production in the human body, is to understand the functions of the kidneys and how the hypothalamus is linked to any of its functions.

According to Thibodeau & Patton (2008) the main functions of the kidneys are filtering waste from the bloodstream; urine production; tissue hydration control; stimulating the body’s red cell production through secretion of a hormone called erythropoietin and regulation of the acid-base balance (or the pH) of the blood and body fluids - necessary for normal body function. The kidneys are also critical to regulation of the level of vital minerals and salts in the blood by producing an enzyme called rennin, which in turn helps with the regulation of blood pressure.

The posterior pituitary produces anti-diuretic hormone (ADH). This hormone helps the kidneys to regulate the water content of the body. If the body is dehydrated, there is a rise in the osmotic pressure of the blood and the reverse if there is excess water in the body. The hypothalamus and the posterior pituitary are closely linked. Osmoreceptors in the hypothalamus, which are sensitive to changes in...