Alpha cells get rid of extra acid. Their partners, beta cells, do the opposite. They get rid of extra base.
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Beta intercalated cells live in the kidney's collecting ducts, slipped in between the principal cells, just like alpha cells.
They look a lot like alpha cells, with many mitochondria. But their parts are set up the other way around, like a mirror image.
The base these cells put into pee is called bicarbonate. Baking soda is a kind of bicarbonate too!
Your blood needs to stay balanced. Not too much acid, and not too much base, the opposite of acid.
Press Send out base on the 3D model.
By Operation Ouch. A fun video for kids.
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