Functions:

Kidneys: make urine

Ureters: transport urine from the kidneys to the

urinary bladder

Urinary bladder: temporarily stores urine

Urethra: exit for urine

Functions of the kidneys:

• Filtration of the blood

• Produce vitamin D
• Produce erythropoietin that stimulates
red blood cell production
• Regulates blood pH (acid / base balance)
• Regulates blood pressure
Parts of the
excretory system:

• 2 kidneys
• 2 ureters
• 1 urinary bladder
• 1 urethra
EXCRETORY SYSTEM
Adrenal glands make adrenaline in
“flight or fight” situations
Unfiltered and oxygenated blood enter the kidney via the
renal artery; filtered and deoxygenated blood
leave the kidney via the renal vein.
The Renal Pyramids contain nephrons.

There are one

million nephrons
in each kidney.
Urine is expected to be more concentrated than your blood.
This is because large amounts of water are pulled out of the
nephron at the collecting ducts. However, the more water you
drink, the more diluted your urine will be.
NEPHRON
Physiology of the Loop of Henle
How urine is formed:

• Filtration at Bowman’s capsule. Red blood

cells and large proteins cannot be filtered.
• Reabsorption of glucose, amino acids,
vitamins, minerals and water at the PCT.
• Secretion of penicillin, protons, potassium,
ammonia and creatinine at the DCT.
• Plenty of water is pulled out of the collecting
ducts to reenter the blood stream.
 ADH (antidiuretic hormone) from the brain
travels to kidneys to pull plenty of water out.
The PCT is internally lined with microvilli to increase
surface area for reabsorption.
Kidney stones can
form from calcium
and cholesterol
At 3 mm, a
stone can
cause
obstruction
Lithotripsy