One may notice that kidneys are a frequent topic on my account. However, I suppose I’ve never really explained why they seem to capture so much of my attention. When you think of someone’s favorite organ, I’m sure one in the urinary system is the last thing that would come to mind. I've noticed that most people decide the heart or brain are their favorites, both good choices in my opinion, but still very common answers. So why kidneys? Why the organ that creates urine? Well, let me explain.🔬
For starters, just the microscopic appearance alone of kidneys is what initially drew me in. The clusters of glomeruli reminded me of pomegranates or perhaps a little bundle of yarn. They're spaced all throughout the outer layer of kidney, known as the cortex. And the way they light up so vibrantly pink with a PAS stain is absolutely remarkable. Moving inward from there, you come to the medulla. Perfectly arranged rows of tubules—the dream for someone who loves organization as much as I do. Not to mention the urinary system contains the most unique epithelium, transitional epithelium! Which can only be found within the ureter, urethra, and bladder. All these wonderful little characteristics come together to create a wonderfully structured and remarkable organ.
Now onto the science and chemistry behind our kidneys. Everyone knows the kidneys remove waste products and turn them into urine, right? That's just scratching the surface of how complicated the job of the kidneys is. The nephron, or functional unit of kidneys, is responsible for the processes of filtration, reabsorption, and secretion. These functions maintain a healthy balance of many substances within the blood, such as water, glucose, amino acids, calcium biphosphate, and bicarbonate. The kidneys are also the source of many hormones that regulate blood pressure, calcium uptake, and control red blood cell production. So the proper functioning of the kidneys has a massive effect on the rest of the organs. If they aren't functioning properly, the devastating effects can be seen all throughout the entire body system.
The evolution of kidneys has also been a focus of mine over the past couple of years. And I’m not the only one; there are plenty of other scientists interested in studying it as well. This is because of the prominent impact of evolutionary pressures on the development of kidneys over time. The simplest form of a “kidney-like structure” can be found in flatworms or earthworms. They have what’s called nephridia, which are basic tubule structures to get rid of water and a few waste products (though not considered real kidneys). These simple structures laid the basic groundwork for what would eventually develop into a remarkable organ. By the time vertebrates were evolving, there was an increasing need to better regulate the internal environment of the body. Birds and mammals would eventually develop the loop of Henle to better maintain water and bicarbonate levels within the body. In all of these ways and more, the pressures of the environment can easily be seen in the evolution of this incredible organ.
Overall, the importance of kidneys within the body cannot be understated. These organs have stood the test of time. And I continue to be endlessly be fascinated by their intricate microscopic structure. So I stand firm in my opinion that they are the best of the best when it comes to our anatomy. And although peculiar, one of my favorite questions to pose in conversation will always be; "So what's your favorite organ?" 😁
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