Homeostasis and the Kidney

Define homeostasis and its importance.

Homeostasis: maintenance of stable internal conditions, essential for enzyme function and metabolism.

What role does negative feedback play in homeostasis?

Negative feedback restores internal conditions to normal when they deviate.

Describe kidney structure.

Kidneys contain cortex, medulla, pelvis; filter blood and form urine.

Explain nephron functions.

Nephrons filter blood, selectively reabsorb nutrients, regulate water/salt balance, excrete wastes.

How does ADH regulate water balance?

ADH increases water reabsorption in collecting ducts, regulating blood osmolarity.

What are treatments for kidney failure?

Kidney failure treated by dialysis or transplant.

Why do organisms excrete different nitrogenous wastes?

Different wastes (ammonia, urea, uric acid) reflect organism’s habitat/water availability.