The module highlighted the kidney’s key role in systemic balance, showing its connection to other organs. For instance, the heart releases ANP during volume overload, prompting the kidneys to reduce sodium and water reabsorption. Hormonal control through the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) also overrides kidney autoregulation, with angiotensin II activated in the lungs after renin release from the kidneys and angiotensinogen from the liver. This cross-organ coordination illustrates the kidney’s crucial function in maintaining blood pressure and fluid balance.

Reflecting on CKDu (Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Aetiology) during our group coursework, I gained insight into how this condition disproportionately affects certain populations, particularly in developing regions, without a clear cause. The poster presentation helped me explore potential contributing factors, such as environmental toxins, heat stress, and dehydration, with a focus on heavy metals as a suspected cause. Please find the original group poster here.