Explain the kidney as an endocrine gland, Science

Assignment Help:

Explain the Kidney as an Endocrine Gland

The kidney produces substances that can be described as hormones. Hormones are the chemicals produced by glands in the body and circulate in the bloodstream. Etythropoietin, a glycoprotein, IS released from the kidneys in response to the tissue hypoxia. It stimulates the production of red blood cells by the bone marrow. The cellular site of production of erythropoietin is not clearly known, but acts as a hormone. 'The liver converts vitamin D (cholecalciferol) to 25-hydroxycholecalciferol. This 25- hydroxy compound is then converted into 1, 25-dihydroxycholecalciferol by the kidney when the plasma calcium level is below normal. This di-hydroxy compound of vitamin D is much more active than the original vitamin in bringing about the absorption of calcium from the intestine and can be considered a hormone produced by the kidney.

An inadequate blood flow to the kidneys leds to the release of a protease enzyme called renin. Renin is secreted from juxtaglomerular apparatus (a group of cells located between afferent and efferent arterioles). It combines with angiotensinogen to form angiotensin I and angiotensin II, which is a powerful vasoconstrictor and increases the blood pressure. It also stimulates aldosterone (mineralocorticoid) secretion of the adrenal cortex.


Related Discussions:- Explain the kidney as an endocrine gland

Explain in detail about the sedimentary rocks, Explain in detail about the ...

Explain in detail about the Sedimentary rocks  Sedimentary rocks are formed from the breakdown of  igneous rocks.  These rocks are broken apart by plant roots, ice wedges, and

help, Why marbles rarely contain fossil

Why marbles rarely contain fossils

Importance of oxidation in weathering, Oxidation Weathering by oxidatio...

Oxidation Weathering by oxidation is common in rocks which are rich in the elements that can be easily oxidised e.g. iron.  Iron as Fe 2+ present in a mineral is oxidised to Fe

Define metabolism - physiology of growth and development, Define Metabolism...

Define Metabolism - Physiology of Growth and Development Resting metabolic rate of a newborn is twice as that of an adult/unit body weight basis. Since only colostrums are avai

Mineral has the name "bloodstone", This mineral has the name "bloodstone" b...

This mineral has the name "bloodstone" because it provides a deep red color on a streak test. What is its chemical formula? Fe 2 O 3

Define the regulation of glucocorticoid secretion, Define the Regulation of...

Define the Regulation of Glucocorticoid Secretion Glucocorticoid secretion is mainly controlled by ACTH or adrenocorticotropic hormone from the anterior pituitary gland. In any

Fermentation, what are details on fermentation technology?

what are details on fermentation technology?

#title, lable the direction of increasing frequency and the direction of in...

lable the direction of increasing frequency and the direction of increasing wavelength on the em.

Objectives safe disposal methods of biological materials, Objectives Af...

Objectives After completing this exercise you will be able to: 1. Sterilize and dispose off microbial cultures, 2. Dispose off the carcass of laboratory animals and the e

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd