Questions and Answers
What are the two main functions of the kidneys?
Excretory organ and osmoregulatory organ
What does the renal artery carry?
The renal vein carries blood with the highest concentration of metabolic waste.
False
What is the function of the bladder?
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The urethra carries urine from the bladder to the ______.
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What do the adrenal glands secrete?
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In males, what does the urethra carry?
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Study Notes
Structure of the Urinary System
- Comprises two kidneys, vital as excretory and osmoregulatory organs.
- Kidneys filter waste from blood and maintain water and salt balance in the body.
Kidneys
- Renal artery: Branches from the aorta, supplies blood (carrying waste) and provides oxygen/nutrients to kidneys.
- Renal vein: Transports blood with minimal metabolic/nitrogenous waste, moving carbon dioxide to the inferior vena cava.
- Ureter: Conducts urine from kidneys to the bladder.
Bladder
- Functions as a storage for urine.
- Contains sphincter muscles that regulate urinary flow.
Urethra
- Transports urine from the bladder to the exterior.
- In males: Passes through the penis, carries both urine and semen.
- In females: Exclusively carries urine, exits through a separate opening before the vaginal opening.
Adrenal Glands
- Located above each kidney but are not part of the excretory system.
- Secrete aldosterone, a hormone important for regulating sodium concentration and maintaining homeostasis.
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Description
Test your understanding of the urinary system, including the structure and function of the kidneys, renal artery, and the body's regulation of water and salt balance. This quiz is designed for Grade 11 students at Durban Girls' High School and aims to reinforce key concepts in excretion.
