Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

25. The Urinary System

Renal Physiology: Overview

Anatomy & Physiology

25. The Urinary System

Renal Physiology: Overview

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Multiple Choice

The mechanism of water reabsorption by the renal tubules is ________.

filtration

osmosis

facilitated diffusion

active transport

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the function of the renal tubules: The renal tubules are responsible for reabsorbing water and solutes from the filtrate back into the bloodstream. This process is essential for maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance in the body.

Review the mechanism of osmosis: Osmosis is the passive movement of water molecules across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration. This process does not require energy and is driven by the concentration gradient of solutes.

Identify the role of osmotic gradients in the kidneys: In the renal tubules, water reabsorption occurs due to osmotic gradients created by the active transport of solutes, such as sodium ions (Na⁺), into the interstitial fluid. This increases the solute concentration outside the tubules, drawing water out of the filtrate by osmosis.

Differentiate osmosis from other mechanisms: Filtration refers to the movement of substances under pressure, facilitated diffusion involves carrier proteins for passive transport, and active transport requires energy to move substances against their concentration gradient. Osmosis is distinct because it is a passive process specifically for water movement.

Conclude the mechanism: Based on the explanation, water reabsorption in the renal tubules occurs primarily through osmosis, driven by the osmotic gradients established by solute transport.