Question

What is Artificial Kidney?

Answer 1

Kids are one of the vital organs in the body for the survival of a human. Kidney is a bean-shaped organ present behind the belly and below the ribs. Length of the kidney is $5$ inches. There is a pair of kidneys present in the human body. Its main function is to filter blood. They are helpful in regulating the level of electrolytes and fluids. Besides, they remove wastes too. Any infection or injury can affect the kidney's performance.

Complete answer:
If the kidney is not able to perform its functions, metabolism of the body will get affected, which leads to life-threatening conditions. In this case, an artificial kidney is recommended. Dialyzer is the artificial kidney. It is a mechanical device used in the dialysis process. It is also known as a dialysis machine. It is utilized to clean the blood of the patient. It also aids in removing waste products from the blood. It is involved in the artificial process of metabolites excretion from the blood, while kidneys do not perform.
In the advanced stage of kidney disease, hemodialysis is performed. Dialysis machine is connected to the body. It filters the blood and returns the same to the body. It is done thrice per week.
Peritoneal dialysis is using a catheter to place a special fluid in the abdomen, which allows the body to filter the blood through the natural membrane of the abdomen. After some time, fluid is collected and discarded.
Artificial kidney consists of semi-permeable tubes, which are suspended in a tank containing dialyzing fluid. Both the blood and fluid have the same osmotic pressure. Through the tubes, the patient’s blood is passed. Through diffusion, wastes from blood go to dialyzing solution. The purified blood is recirculated into the body. There is no reabsorption involved here, unlike in the case of kidneys.

Note:
In addition to dialysis, some other treatments are available for kidney malfunctioning. Kidney transplant, peritoneal dialysis, nephrectomy, lithotripsy and antibiotics. Dialysis helps in controlling blood pressure. It aids in maintaining the safe limits of chemicals. It is helpful in removing excess salts, nitrogenous wastes and water.