Normal Number of Nephrons
Kidney Health Care - David Mangusan Jr., PTRP
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The number of nephrons is the same when a person is born. About a million of nephrons is found in each kidney. The nephrons are the vital filtering units within the kidney. They help separate blood cells and fluid including wastes in the blood. Large substances and blood cells, such as red blood cells and white blood cells remain in the blood vessels while wastes, such as urea and excess fluids are allowed to pass through to become part of the urine.
In addition, the nephrons help regulate the body’s chemicals including sodium, potassium, and phosphorus.
Damage to most of the nephrons can lead to kidney failure. A person whose kidneys totally fail to function need to undergo dialysis or kidney transplantation to survive.
References:
The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC), National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).NIH Publication No. 07–3195, August 2007
Tortora, G. and Grabowski, S.: PRINCIPLES OF ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY. 10th ed. John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 2003.
Seeley, R. et al: ESSENTIALS OF ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY. 5th ed. McGraw – Hill, 2005.
Page Last Revised: December 7, 2010
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