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An Overview Of Endocrine Hormones Secreted By The Kidneys |
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An informative article on: An Overview Of Endocrine Hormones Secreted By The Kidneys. The human body has been fundamentally designed to function as a self sufficient entity. This design is attributable to the various organs, systems and mechanisms that regulate the numerous functions of the body. Hormones play a large role in ensuring that the different bodily functions are properly carried out and this is due to the fact that they are messengers that serve as transmitters of specific instructions and information from one part of the body to the other. A particular set of hormones that have a great influence over the body are endocrine hormones. Endocrine Organs and their Secretions There are several endocrine organs in the body and these organs make up the endocrine system. The major organs that make up this system are the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, pineal body, pancreas and reproductive glands (ovary and testis). These organs all have their different secretions or hormones that regulate different functions in the body. However, certain nonendocrine organs are also responsible for the secretion of hormones and one such organ is the kidney. This important organ is responsible for the secretion of certain endocrine hormones and to properly understand them, an overview of endocrine hormones secreted by the kidneys is required. An Overview of Endocrine Hormones Secreted by the Kidneys The right and left kidneys in the human body apart from their function of maintaining homeostatic balance in the body, removing of waste products via the urine and absorption of certain nutrients such as glucose, amino acids and water; also produce two important secretions that are part of the endocrine system. These hormones are: Erythropoietin and Calcitriol and they both carry out important roles that ensure that the body functions optimally. A deficiency in the production of these hormones can result in serious problems and an overview of the endocrine hormones secreted by the kidneys is definitely beneficial. Erythropoietin Erythropoietin also known as EPO, is a glycoprotein that acts specifically on the bone marrow to cause an increased secretion of erythrocytes (red blood cells). The stimulus for the production of EPO is reduced red blood cell count (hematocrit). Accidents which result in bleeding or staying in high altitude areas can result in reduced hematocrit and once this occurs, EPO is prodced by the extraglomerular mesangial cells in order to restore the hematocrit levels. Calcitriol Calcitriol basically performs two functions in the body and both involve the regulation of calcium availability in the body. The first action is on the intestinal cells and this promotes adequate calcium absorption from food. The second action is on the bones and this serves to release calcium into the blood when required. Deficiency of calcitriol results in rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Calcitriol is derived from Vitamin D3 which is synthesized in the skin on exposure to the sun and also from dietary Vitamin D intake. In conclusion, an overview of endocrine hormones secreted by the kidneys reveals what significant contribution the kidney makes to the endocrine system and the human body in general. |