What structures are responsible for maintaining the balance of electrolytes in the body?

What structures are responsible for maintaining the balance of electrolytes in the body?

• A. Liver
• B. Kidneys
• C. Lungs
• D. Pancreas

Answer: (B)

The kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of electrolytes in the body. They achieve this through a process called renal regulation, where they filter blood and selectively reabsorb or excrete various ions such as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and chloride. This regulation ensures that the concentrations of these electrolytes remain within a narrow range, which is essential for proper physiological functions such as muscle contractions, nerve impulses, and fluid balance. The kidneys constantly monitor the electrolyte levels in the blood, responding to any imbalances by adjusting the amount of electrolytes reabsorbed into the bloodstream or excreted in urine. For example, if potassium levels are high, the kidneys will increase its excretion to lower blood potassium levels. Conversely, if the body is dehydrated, the kidneys will conserve water and electrolytes to maintain homeostasis. In contrast, while the liver, lungs, and pancreas have important roles in metabolism, respiration, and digestion, they are not primarily responsible for electrolyte balance. The liver is involved in protein synthesis and detoxification, the lungs focus on gas exchange, and the pancreas regulates blood sugar levels and digestive enzymes; none of these functions directly manage electrolyte concentrations in the same way that the kidneys do.

The kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of electrolytes in the body. They achieve this through a process called renal regulation, where they filter blood and selectively reabsorb or excrete various ions such as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and chloride. This regulation ensures that the concentrations of these electrolytes remain within a narrow range, which is essential for proper physiological functions such as muscle contractions, nerve impulses, and fluid balance.

The kidneys constantly monitor the electrolyte levels in the blood, responding to any imbalances by adjusting the amount of electrolytes reabsorbed into the bloodstream or excreted in urine. For example, if potassium levels are high, the kidneys will increase its excretion to lower blood potassium levels. Conversely, if the body is dehydrated, the kidneys will conserve water and electrolytes to maintain homeostasis.

In contrast, while the liver, lungs, and pancreas have important roles in metabolism, respiration, and digestion, they are not primarily responsible for electrolyte balance. The liver is involved in protein synthesis and detoxification, the lungs focus on gas exchange, and the pancreas regulates blood sugar levels and digestive enzymes; none of these functions directly manage electrolyte concentrations in the same way that the kidneys do.