Question

During a long-distance run on a hot day, an athlete produces large quantities of sweat. As a result, the kidneys change the rate of urine production. Why is this change important?

Answer 1

The kidneys alter urine production during a long-distance run on a hot day to conserve water, as excessive sweat leads to dehydration. They control water levels by reducing urine output when the body is low on water, helping to maintain homeostasis.

Step-by-step explanation:

During a long-distance run on a hot day, an athlete produces large quantities of sweat. This leads to water loss from the body. As a response, the kidneys change the rate of urine production to conserve water. When the body is low on water, the kidneys reduce urine output to minimize further water loss. The kidneys are the main organs of the excretory system and constantly filter waste from the blood while also balancing water levels. The amount of urine your kidneys produce depends on the fluid in your body.

The urine characteristics change based on various influences, including water intake and exercise. For instance, if the athlete sweats a lot and drinks less water, their urine becomes darker and might have a slight odor indicating dehydration. Conversely, when a person consumes a lot of water, the pituitary gland releases a lower amount of Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH), leading to a large volume of lighter-colored urine.

The kidneys also secrete hormones like erythropoietin, which promotes red blood cell production, and renin, which regulates blood pressure. They need to adjust their function when there's excessive fluid intake through a process called diuresis. Thus, changing the rate of urine production after intensive sweating is vital to maintain the body's homeostasis, ensuring proper hydration levels and blood pressure are maintained.

Answer 2

To regulate water balance in the body

Step-by-step explanation:

The kidneys are two bean shaped renal organs which perform a host of functions for the body such as regulating fluid balance, filtering minerals from the blood etc. Among their functions is the regulation of water balance in the body through the antidiuretic hormone.

When an athlete completes a physical activity and sweats a lot, the kidney reacts to the loss of water by sweat by adjusting urine output causing the body to produce lower and more concentrated urine.