Aging Changes in the Kidneys
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Aging changes
As the kidney ages, the number of filtering units (nephrons) is reduced. Nephrons filter waste material from the blood.
In addition to this filtering tissue, the overall amount of kidney tissue is reduced. The blood vessels supplying the kidney can become hardened. The kidneys filter blood more slowly.
The bladder wall changes with age. The elastic tissue is replaced with tough fibrous tissue, and the bladder becomes less "stretchy" (distensible). Muscles weaken, and the bladder may not empty completely when going to the bathroom.
In men, the urethra may become blocked by an enlarged prostate gland. In women, weakened muscles can allow the bladder or vagina to "fall" out of position (prolapse), which can block the urethra.
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