Kidney (noun)
Definition
A kidney is an essential organ found in vertebrates, including humans. Humans typically have two kidneys, and their primary function is to filter waste products and excess substances from the blood, producing urine to eliminate these waste products from the body.
Etymology
The term kidney has its origins in the Old English word cycene, which evolved from the Old English word cyn, meaning the organ that strains. This Old English word, in turn, has Germanic roots and is related to the Old High German word nioro and the Old Norse word nyra, both of which also meant kidney.
Example
One unique example related to kidneys is kidney transplantation, a medical procedure in which a healthy kidney from a donor is surgically implanted into a recipient whose kidneys are failing or not functioning adequately. Kidney transplantation is a life-saving treatment for end-stage renal disease and can significantly improve the recipient’s quality of life.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What are the main functions of the kidneys?
The kidneys perform several vital functions, including filtering waste products and excess substances from the blood to form urine, maintaining electrolyte balance, regulating blood pressure, and producing hormones that influence red blood cell production and calcium metabolism.
How does the kidney filter blood?
The kidney filters blood through millions of tiny structures called nephrons. Blood is filtered in the glomerulus, and the resulting fluid (filtrate) travels through the tubule, where essential substances are reabsorbed, and waste products become concentrated to form urine.
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