Your blood has to stay just a tiny bit on the not-sour side. Alpha intercalated cells help by pumping extra acid into your pee.
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In the kidney's collecting ducts, most cells are principal cells. Scattered between them are intercalated cells. Intercalated means slipped in between.
There are two main kinds, alpha and beta. Alpha cells are packed with mitochondria and have lots of pumps on their top side, facing the pee.
Your body makes some acid every day just from living and eating. Your kidneys get rid of the extra.
Acid is the sour kind of chemical, like lemon juice. A little is fine. But your blood needs to stay balanced, not too sour.
Press Pump out acid on the 3D model.
By Operation Ouch. A fun video for kids.
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