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Correct Answer: both a and b
the correct answer to the question of which task would be considered a major function of the kidneys is "both a and b". this encompasses the kidneys' roles in excreting waste and excess water as urine. the kidneys are vital organs that perform several crucial functions in the body. below, we will explore these functions in greater detail.
firstly, one of the primary tasks of the kidneys is to excrete waste products. these waste products include urea and creatinine, which are byproducts of protein metabolism and muscle activity respectively. the kidneys filter blood to remove these and other waste materials, which are then excreted from the body via urine. this process is critical for maintaining the body's internal chemical balance and preventing the buildup of harmful substances that could lead to toxicity.
additionally, the kidneys are responsible for regulating the body's fluid balance by excreting excess water. this involves the sophisticated ability of the kidneys to adjust the volume of water excreted based on the body’s hydration levels. when the body has excess water, the kidneys increase urine output, and when the body is dehydrated, the kidneys conserve water by reducing urine output. this regulation helps maintain blood pressure and supports cellular function.
moreover, the kidneys also play a role in regulating electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and chloride ions. these electrolytes are crucial for nerve function, muscle contraction, and maintaining ph balance. the kidneys help manage these electrolytes by filtering them from the blood, reabsorbing what is needed, and excreting the rest in urine.
in addition to waste removal and water balance, the kidneys contribute to other important bodily functions, including the production of hormones such as erythropoietin, which stimulates red blood cell production, and renin, which regulates blood pressure. the kidneys also convert a precursor of vitamin d to its active form, which is essential for bone health.
thus, the kidneys' role in both excreting waste and managing excess water is indispensable for maintaining overall health. both of these tasks are major functions of the kidneys, supporting the answer "both a and b" to the initial question. by efficiently carrying out these functions, the kidneys help to keep the body's internal environment stable and conducive to optimal functioning.
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