Question

Enumerate the role of kidney as an endocrine gland.

Answer 1

1. The kidney is a partial endocrine gland. The kidney secretes hormones such as renin, erythropoietin, and calcitriol.
2. Renin is secreted by Juxtaglomerular cells (JG) which increase blood pressure when angiotensin is formed in blood.
3. Erythropoietin is also secreted by JGA cells of the kidney and stimulates the formation of RBC in the bone marrow known as erythropoiesis.
4. Calcitriol is secreted by proximal tubules of the nephron, it is an active form of vitamin D₃ which promotes calcium and phosphorus absorption from the intestine and accelerates bone formation.