The kidneys play an important role in regulating water and four key electrolytes: potassium, bicarbonate, sodium, and chloride. Water makes up 75% of the human body and is essential for many processes, while sodium helps balance pH levels and nerve conduction. Potassium aids muscle contraction and energy production. Chloride works with sodium and potassium to control fluid flow and acidity. Bicarbonate acts as a buffer to keep blood pH in balance. Together these substances regulated by the kidneys are vital for homeostasis in the human body.

1. Urinary System Mark Paola

2. Abbreviations of the Urinary System Role of the Kidneys- The balance of our body in regards to chemical conditions is based on the kidneys and its functions. By regulating the chemical reactions that take place in the kidneys it allows our bodies to survive. The kidneys regulate water, along with four electrolytes that we will discuss. The electrolytes in discussion are K - Potassium, HCO3 - Bicarbonate, Na - Sodium, and Cl - Chloride.

3. Water – H20 It’s just like on earth, 75% of our human bodies are made by water. It’s an essential element for any living objects living on the surface of the earth. Water controls the activities of cells, tissue, blood etc… to keep our body staying healthy, proper digestion, assimilation, respiration controlling body temperature. In regards to our kidneys, it’s the BEST (healthiest) substance that flows through the kidneys, because it consists of no substances that need not be filtered by the kidney, hence the kidneys have no burden from the water consumed.

4. Sodium - Na Sodium is an essential nutrient that balances the PH level in our bodies, regulating the level of water in our body. It is important in nerve conduction. If we don’t get enough sodium in our diet, the balance of water in our body will be severely skewed. Sodium works in the body at the cellular level, it helps to transplant nutrients and open channels in the cell walls so that other nutrients can enter and exit cells. Examples of importance of sodium in our body Sodium in our body aids in cell exchange of carbon dioxide of breathing by giving the iron based blood cells the ability to do the job. Sodium- also helps the nerves use electric impulses in an iron based cell substrate. While Chlorine …from salt is needed for the G2 digestive acid in our GI tract. Salt, chemically intact as Sodium Chloride balances the Sodium electrolytes as well as helps to control various pressures from inter cellular to heart and blood pressure.

5. Potassium - K Natural metal that is important for living things. In humans and animal’s potassium acts with the combination of sodium to help send signals to and from the nerve and muscle fibers. Potassium helps cells in nutrients and removes wastes and maintains a balance electrolyte of fluids. Potassium is extremely important for proper heart function by allowing large muscle continually contracting. Potassium is responsible for energy production, synthesis of nucleic acids and many other functions. Digestive system, tubular secretion, all depends on potassium. Hyperkalemia is excess serum potassium. Most potassium in the body 98% is found within cells only very small amounts usually circulates in the bloodstream. As stated before balance of potassium between the cells and blood is critical to the body. Potassium usually excreted by the kidneys, however the levels can get high if your kidneys not working correctly which is hyperkalemia. Medications, diet also affect amount of potassium in the blood. Hyperkalemia is a serious condition that must be treated promptly.

6. Chloride – Cl- Chloride in our diet works with potassium and sodium in our bodies. Chloride is formed when chlorine gas dissolves in water; the 2 electrolytes control the flow of fluid in blood vessels and tissues as well as regulating acidity in the body. It also forms part of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Chloride can be found in table salt, olives, tomatoes, celery and water. Chloride itself is a poisonous gas that is soluble in water. In nature and in our bodies. Chloride is an anion(negative) ion that joins with cations (positive) ions such as sodium to make salt (sodium chloride) and with hydrogen to make stomach acid (HCl). Chloride is found in our inner cells, as one of the minerals involved with electrolytes. Chloride works closely with sodium and water to help regulate and distribute body fluids. Deficiency of Chloride is extremely rare and unlikely to occur. But a deficiency of chloride in the body may cause loss of potassium in the urine, weakness, and lowered blood pressure. A high concentration of chloride in our body may result in water retention. In which can be dangerous based on amount and physical conditions of the person.

7. Bicarbonate - HCO3 Is a chemical that is called a “BUFFER” that assists keeping the pH of the blood from becoming too acidic or too basic. It keeps the pH at an equilibrium state. HCO3also dissolves in water and very important for protecting tissues of the central nervous system, where the pH changes in either direction could prove disastrous. It also acts to release from the pancreas in response to hormone secretion to neutralize acidic chime entering the duodenum from the stomach. We see bicarbonate-HCO3 in baking soda used for cooking/baking. In bowel preparations prior to receiving a colonoscopy, patient may drink a salty water solution, which is safe and effective in cleaning out ones small and large intestine for a colonoscopy to take place. Rarely tested by itself, it is usually done on blood samples or electrolyte testing such as potassium, sodium or chloride. The test may be done to keep track of blood bicarbonate levels, including many kidney diseases, some lung diseases and metabolic conditions.

8. Conclusion All 5 definitions discussed have to do with the Urinary System, and the importance of each. These are just 5 of many more nutrients and electrolytes needed for humans to function healthy on a day to day basis. Homeostasis is the key to survival.