EXCRETORY SYSTEM

THE EXCRETORY SYSTEM

The excretory system helps to remove body waste safely. The kidneys act like filters. Excretion is the elimination of metabolic waste.

KIDNEYS
The two kidneys are located near the spine in the middle of the back. They are protected by lower ribs and covered by layers of fat.

KIDNEYS
Without the kidneys, it would not take long before the bodys system would be poisoned by its own waste. It is possible to function with only one kidney.

URINE
Waste drains out of the kidneys in the form of urine. Urine is about 95% water and 5% urea (protein from protein breakdown). Fresh urine has no bacteria in it. It is quite clean (probably cleaner than your hands). Primary filtrate has the same composition as blood plasma, without large proteins.

GLOMERULAR FILTRATION RATE (GFR)

GFR is the amount of filtrate produced by the kidneys in one minute Factors that alter filtration pressure will change the GFR e.g. a drop in pressure will lead to a decrease in GFR Caffeine increases glomerular capillary pressure will increase urine flow A haemorrhage will decrease arterial pressure, reducing urine flow

NEPHRONS

THE BLOOD SUPPLY TO THE KIDNEYS

THE BLOOD SUPPLY TO THE KIDNEYS

THE BLOOD SUPPLY TO THE KIDNEYS

FILTRATION & REASBSORPTION

THE NEPHRON

THE RENAL CORPUSCLE

THE RENAL CORPUSCLE

THE RENAL CORPUSCLE

THE RENAL CORPUSCLE

AN OVERVIEW OF URINE FORMATION

GLOMERULAR FILTRATION

GLOMERULAR FILTRATION

A RADIOGRAPHIC VIEW OF THE URINARY SYSTEM