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

Introduction to the Urinary System

Anatomy & Physiology

25. The Urinary System

Introduction to the Urinary System

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Problem 9

Textbook Question

Trace the pathway of the protein-free filtrate from where it is produced in the renal corpuscle until it drains into the renal pelvis in the form of urine. (Use arrows to indicate the direction of flow.)

Verified step by step guidance

Start at the renal corpuscle, where the protein-free filtrate is produced through the process of glomerular filtration. The filtrate is formed as blood plasma passes through the glomerular capillaries and is filtered by the glomerular membrane into Bowman's capsule.

From Bowman's capsule, the filtrate flows into the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT). Here, reabsorption of water, ions, and nutrients occurs, and some waste products are secreted into the filtrate.

Next, the filtrate moves into the loop of Henle, which consists of a descending limb and an ascending limb. The descending limb is permeable to water, allowing water to be reabsorbed, while the ascending limb is impermeable to water and facilitates the reabsorption of ions like sodium and chloride.

The filtrate then enters the distal convoluted tubule (DCT), where further reabsorption and secretion occur, fine-tuning the composition of the filtrate. Hormones like aldosterone and parathyroid hormone regulate this process.

Finally, the filtrate flows into the collecting duct, where additional water reabsorption occurs under the influence of antidiuretic hormone (ADH). The filtrate is now concentrated into urine, which drains into the renal pelvis via the minor and major calyces, completing its pathway.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Renal Corpuscle

The renal corpuscle is the initial filtering component of the nephron in the kidney, consisting of the glomerulus and Bowman's capsule. It is where blood filtration occurs, allowing water, ions, and small molecules to pass into the filtrate while retaining larger molecules like proteins and blood cells. This process is crucial for the formation of urine.

Nephron Structure

The nephron is the functional unit of the kidney, comprising various segments including the proximal convoluted tubule, loop of Henle, distal convoluted tubule, and collecting duct. Each segment plays a specific role in reabsorbing essential substances and concentrating urine. Understanding nephron structure is vital for tracing the pathway of filtrate as it transforms into urine.

Urinary System Pathway

The urinary system pathway refers to the route taken by urine from its formation in the kidneys to its excretion from the body. After passing through the nephron, urine drains into the renal pelvis, then flows through the ureters to the bladder, and finally exits via the urethra. This pathway is essential for understanding how the body eliminates waste and regulates fluid balance.

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