ABSTRACT
The kidneys play a vital role in the maintenance of normal blood volume/pressure and regulation of acid-base balance. Approximately one-fourth of the cardiac output is filtered through the kidneys each minute. Urinary excretion is the pathway for removal of the waste products of absorption and metabolism. These include ammonia, urea, creatinine, phosphorus, water, sodium, and potassium. Normal bone health is facilitated by activation of vitamin D and regulation of calcium and phosphorus. The kidney produces the hormone erythropoietin. Deficiency of this hormone results in profound anemia.
