Excretory System Major Organs Flashcards

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.

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.