What does a frogs kidney do?

1. Filtration:

- The glomerulus, a network of tiny blood vessels in the kidneys, filter waste products, excess water, electrolytes, and other substances from the bloodstream, forming the initial filtrate.

2. Reabsorption:

- The filtrate then enters the proximal convoluted tubule, where essential nutrients, water, and electrolytes (such as glucose, amino acids, sodium, and potassium) are selectively reabsorbed back into the bloodstream.

3. Secretion:

- Simultaneously, certain substances that need to be eliminated from the body, such as excess ions (e.g., hydrogen ions for acid-base regulation) and metabolic waste products, are actively secreted from the bloodstream into the filtrate in the proximal tubule.

4. Concentration:

- The descending loop of Henle (part of the nephron, the functional unit of the kidneys) extends deep into the medulla, creating a concentration gradient. This gradient assists in water reabsorption from the filtrate as it flows through the ascending loop of Henle.

5. Countercurrent Exchange:

- The countercurrent exchange mechanism, involving blood vessels, helps maintain the high osmotic concentration of the medulla, crucial for efficient water reabsorption in the collecting ducts.

6. Sodium-Potassium Balance:

- The kidneys play a vital role in maintaining the body's electrolyte balance, specifically regulating the levels of sodium and potassium in the bloodstream.

7. Acid-Base Regulation:

- The kidneys participate in maintaining the body's pH balance by excreting hydrogen ions or bicarbonate ions, as required, thereby regulating the acidity or alkalinity of the blood.

8. Regulation of Blood Volume and Pressure:

- By controlling water and electrolyte balance, the kidneys influence blood volume and thus contribute to blood pressure regulation.

9. Storage and Production:

- The kidneys store energy reserves, primarily as glycogen, and release glucose when needed to maintain the blood glucose concentration. They also synthesize glucose from certain amino acids during gluconeogenesis.

10. Vitamin D Activation:

- The kidneys convert vitamin D into its active form, which is essential for calcium and phosphate homeostasis and skeletal health.