Urinary System 16-20

Flashcards: Kidneys, Hydration, and Dialysis

1. Kidneys’ Main Function
   Excrete nitrogenous wastes, maintain water/electrolyte balance, and regulate blood pH.

2. Why are the kidneys vital?
   Kidney failure often leads to death if untreated.

3. How much water is filtered daily?
   Kidneys filter 150–180 liters of plasma, producing 1–2 liters of urine.

4. Hydration Tip
   You must take in as much water as you lose daily.

5. How do we lose water?
   Through breathing, urine/feces, and sweating.

6. What triggers thirst?
   A 2–3% increase in plasma solutes stimulates the hypothalamic thirst center.

7. Steps in the Thirst Mechanism
   Low saliva → dry mouth → hypothalamus → thirst sensation → drink water → restored balance.

8. What is Dialysis?
   A treatment that filters blood using a machine when kidneys can’t filter wastes effectively.

9. What does Dialysis remove?
   Harmful wastes, excess salt, and water from the blood.