Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of the kidneys?
What do the ureters do?
Propel urine from the kidneys to the urinary bladder.
What is the function of the urinary bladder?
Collects waste excreted by the kidneys prior to disposal.
What connects the urinary bladder to the outside of the body?
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What is the role of the renal artery?
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What do the renal veins do?
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What is the main function of the aorta?
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What is the function of the inferior vena cava?
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Study Notes
Kidneys
- Main function is to remove nitrogenous wastes (e.g., urea), salts, and excess water from the blood, producing urine.
- Millions of nephrons, the functional units of kidneys, facilitate this filtration process.
Ureter
- Muscular ducts responsible for transporting urine from the kidneys to the urinary bladder.
- Utilizes peristalsis to propel urine through a series of contractions.
Urinary Bladder
- Collects and stores urine excreted by the kidneys before elimination.
- Has the capacity to expand and contract to hold varying amounts of urine.
Urethra
- Connects the urinary bladder to the external environment, allowing for urine excretion.
- Functions in both males and females for waste elimination, varying in length between genders.
Renal Artery
- Supplies kidneys with a significant portion of blood flow, essential for filtration and waste removal.
- Branches from the aorta, ensuring a rich supply of oxygenated blood to the kidneys.
Renal Veins
- Drain purified blood from the kidneys, connecting them to the inferior vena cava.
- Play a crucial role in returning cleansed blood back to the systemic circulation.
Aorta
- Largest artery in the body, responsible for distributing oxygen-rich blood to all body parts.
- Functions as the primary vessel for systemic circulation, conducting blood from the heart.
Inferior Vena Cava
- Major vein that conveys deoxygenated blood from the lower body back to the heart.
- Empties into the right atrium, playing an essential role in systemic venous return.
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Description
This set of flashcards covers important organs of the excretory system, including the kidneys, ureters, and urinary bladder. Each card provides a concise definition and function, helping you to memorize key information for your studies.
