Describe The Functions Of The Artificial Kidney,the Composition Of The
Dialysis is a treatment for end-stage kidney failure. It removes harmful substances from the blood when the kidneys cannot perform this function. Peritoneal dialysis is a type of dialysis that uses the peritoneal membrane in the abdomen to filter the blood. This method is based on physiological processes and their driving forces to remove excess water and clean the blood.
The artificial kidney, also known as a dialyzer, has several key functions when used in hemodialysis:
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Filtration: The dialyzer filters waste products, excess ions, and water from the blood, replicating the kidney's filtration function.
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Diffusion: It allows for the diffusion of waste products and excess ions from the blood into the dialysis solution (dialysate) across a semipermeable membrane.
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Ultrafiltration: It enables the removal of excess fluid from the blood by applying a pressure gradient, akin to the role of the glomerulus in the kidney.
The composition of the dialysis solution (dialysate) is crucial. It's designed to closely mimic the electrolyte concentration and pH of normal blood, while lacking waste products. The solution typically contains sodium, potassium, calcium, and bicarbonate ions in specific concentrations. The dialysate is tailored to help facilitate the diffusion of waste products and excess ions from the bloodstream into the dialysate.
Peritoneal dialysis, another form of dialysis, relies on the peritoneal membrane in the abdomen to accomplish the filtration process. A catheter is used to introduce a dialysis solution, containing dextrose, into the peritoneal cavity. This solution draws waste products, excess water, and electrolytes from the blood into the peritoneal cavity via osmosis and diffusion. Once this process is completed, the used solution is drained out, taking the waste products with it. This cycle is repeated several times a day.
In summary, the artificial kidney (dialyzer) functions to filter, diffuse waste products, and facilitate ultrafiltration. The dialysis solution mirrors normal blood electrolyte concentrations and lacks waste products. Peritoneal dialysis leverages the peritoneal membrane for filtration, using osmosis and diffusion to remove waste products and excess water from the blood.
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