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Which organs help maintain the chemical composition of blood?
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blood
Blood sediment in test tubes, showing plasma (clear fluid), red blood cells (red), and the release of hemoglobin into the surrounding plasma (pink).
Several organs play critical roles in maintaining the chemical composition of blood, ensuring it remains within the narrow limits necessary for life.123
- Kidneys: These are primary regulatory organs. They control the concentration of physiologically important ions (such as sodium, potassium, and chloride), regulate water balance, and maintain the acid-base equilibrium by controlling the pH of the blood. They also filter out metabolic waste products like urea, creatinine, and uric acid, as well as drugs and toxins.12
- Lungs: These organs are essential for respiratory gas exchange. They facilitate the uptake of oxygen and the elimination of carbon dioxide, a process that is vital for maintaining blood pH.143
- Liver: The liver performs extensive metabolic and excretory functions. It removes toxins and metabolic waste products from the blood, synthesizes essential proteins (such as albumin and clotting factors), and regulates blood glucose levels by storing or releasing glucose.15
- Gastrointestinal tract: This system is responsible for the absorption of nutrients from food into the bloodstream, which helps maintain the chemical balance of necessary substances.13