Question

a.Explain the functional roles of kidney in the maintenance of water balance in the body.

b.Illustrate the damages of blood capillaries during the disease process of diabetes.

Answer 1

1. The major function of a kidney is to regulate the amount of water in the body. It also balances the concentration of sodium, potassium and chloride ions in the blood. Kidney are helpful in eliminating urea.

Two conditions where kidney demonstrate their efficacy in regulating water are:

1. During excess water intake, kidney tend to remove water by enhancing the process of urine formation. This removes extra quantity of water from body (as well as from blood).
2. When body is dehydrated and water intake is decreased, kidney conserve water through the action of antidiuretic hormone. The urine formed in this situation is very less, concentrated, viscous and yellow in colour.

2. Blood vessels are very vital for sustainment of life. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by raised blood glucose levels. Hypercholesterolemia is the secondary complication of diabetes mellitus. Glucose as well as cholesterol in excess amount predispose to mediation of oxidative stress in the body. The biosynthesis of excessive number of free radicals predispose to capillary damage. A high glucose/ sugar level also makes blood vessels less elastic and narrow them. This results in decreased supply of blood and oxygen in capillaries which damages large and small blood vessels.