Kidneys and Metals Problem Set

Problem 6: Target organs for metals

Why is the kidney often a target for toxic chemicals such as metals?

A.	because toxicants enter the body through the stomach and intestines and are then transported to the kidney
B.	because the kidney has a very large surface area in direct contact with the blood
C.	because there is very high blood flow to the kidney and it can concentrate substances The kidneys are a target for metals, meaning they are usually affected by metals. Even though they comprise only 0.5% of the total human body weight, they receive about 25% of the body's blood flow. The kidney's primary function in the body is to concentrate waste substances, but in the process they concentrate many other substances as well, including toxic metals.
D.	because the kidney cannot regenerate damaged cells