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This lesson covers the structure and function of the kidney, including how it filters blood, removes waste, and regulates water balance through osmoregulation. Understanding the role of ADH (antidiuretic hormone) in controlling water levels is essential for Edexcel GCSE Biology (1BI0) Topic 7.
The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located in the back of the abdominal cavity, one on each side of the spine. They perform three vital functions:
| Function | Detail |
|---|---|
| Filtering the blood | Removing waste products (especially urea) from the blood |
| Regulating water levels | Controlling the amount of water in the blood and body fluids (osmoregulation) |
| Regulating ion levels | Controlling the concentration of ions (such as sodium) in the blood |
Urea is a waste product formed in the liver from the breakdown of excess amino acids (from protein digestion). This process is called deamination.
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