Kidney: Processing of waste products of protein

The kidneys are a pair of vital organs that perform many functions to keep the blood clean and chemically balanced which lets the body function.

They are located near the middle of the back, just below the rib cage, one on each side of the spine. Every day, a person’s kidneys process about 200 quarts of blood to sift out about 2 quarts of waste products and extra water. The two kidneys have a very extensive blood supply and the whole blood supply passes through the kidneys every 5 minutes, ensuring that waste materials do not build up.

The wastes and extra water become urine, which flows to the bladder through tubes called ureters. The bladder stores urine until releasing it through urination.

Kidneys are the only organs that can process the waste products of protein metabolism for elimination in the urine. An excess of dietary protein over time can overwhelm the kidneys and cause permanent damage.

Nitrogen is an essential element present in all amino acids; it is derived from dietary protein intake, is necessary for protein synthesis and maintenance of muscle mass, and is excreted by the kidneys. Under steady-state conditions, renal nitrogen excretion equals nitrogen intake. Renal nitrogen excretion consists almost completely of urea and ammonia. Kidney:
Processing of waste products of protein