RENAL FUNCTION Meaning and
Definition
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Renal function refers to the overall ability of the kidneys to filter waste products and excrete them through urine while maintaining the balance of electrolytes and fluids in the body. The kidneys play a vital role in maintaining homeostasis within the body and are responsible for various functions such as filtration, reabsorption, secretion, and excretion.
Filtration is the primary function of the kidneys, where blood enters the glomerulus and waste products, toxins, excess electrolytes, and water are filtered out to form a liquid called urine. Reabsorption is the process by which essential substances like glucose, amino acids, and salts are selectively reabsorbed back into the bloodstream. Secretion involves the removal of additional waste products and drugs from the bloodstream into the urine.
Renal function is crucial for maintaining electrolyte balance, blood pressure regulation, acid-base balance, and red blood cell production through the secretion of erythropoietin. It also helps control the body's fluid volume by adjusting the amount of urine produced.
The measurement of renal function is often assessed using various laboratory tests, including serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR). These tests help in detecting any abnormalities or diseases that may affect the kidneys' ability to perform their functions properly.
Impairment or dysfunction in renal function can lead to conditions such as acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, or end-stage renal disease, which may require medical interventions such as dialysis or kidney transplantation to maintain the body's normal functions.
Etymology of RENAL FUNCTION
The word "renal" is derived from the Latin word "renes", meaning "kidneys". The term "renal function" refers to the physiological and biochemical functions performed by the kidneys in the human body. The word "function" comes from the Latin word "functio", which means "performance" or "execution". Therefore, "renal function" literally translates to the performance or execution of tasks by the kidneys.
