Urinary+System+WB

(1) What are the organs of the urinary system, and what are their functions? (2) In what four ways do the kidneys help maintain homeostasis? (3) What are the three major areas of the kidney? (4) What microscopic structure is responsible for the production of urine? (5) How do the parts of the nephron differ?

1. The first part of the urinary system are the kidneys. The kidneys excrete wastes. The ureters move urine from the kidneys to the bladder. The urinary bladder is responsible for storing urine. The urethra is connected to an external organ, which removes urine from the body.

2. The kidneys help maintain homeostasis in the body by maintaining the salt / water ration in the blood, excreting metabolic wastes, maintaining acid / base ratio in blood, and by aiding in hormone secretion.

3. The three major areas of the kidney are the renal cortex, the renal pelvis, and the renal medulla.

4. Nephrons are the microscopic structures responsible for urine production.

5. The glomerular capsule filters the bloodstream. The proximal convoluted tubule stores energy. The loop of henle absorbs water, and the distal convoluted tubule moves blood molecules.