The Kidney: Filtration & Re-Absorption

Lesson aims:Understand the overall structure of the excretory system,

including the positions of the ureters, bladder and urethra
in the body.
Be able to outline the structure and functions of the kidney
(tubule) in filtration and re-absorption of glucose and some
salts.
Pickering Reference
Pg132-133

Identify the Structures of the Kidney

1
3

Role of the Kidney

Removal of toxic substances, e.g. urea

Osmoregulation, regulating water content

of blood

Overall Kidney Structure

1) Renal artery brings

blood containing
wastes and useful
molecules such as
water to kidney.

4) Bladder excretes
substances as
urine. The urine
passes out of body
via urethra.

5) Renal vein carries clean

blood back into the
circulatory system.
2) Kidneys clean
(filter) blood and
send any unwanted
substances to the
ureters.

3) Ureters carry waste

substances to the
bladder.

2) In the
glomerulus, blood
is filtered at high
pressure,
(ultrafiltration).
Large substances
like proteins will
stay in blood, but
water 6)
and
saltscontaining
etc
Blood
will pass
intomolecules
the
useful
and
renal water
(Bowmans)
but cleared of
capsule.
waste is now returned to
circulation via renal vein

1) Blood containing
waste substances
such as urea and
useful substances
like water arrive at
kidney via renal
artery.
3) At first coiled
tubule, useful
substances are
selectively
reabsorbed into the
blood, e.g. glucose.

5) Water and waste

substances leave the
nephron via the
collecting duct. If the
body needs to re-absorb
any more water, it is
done here.

4) Water continues
to be reabsorbed
back into the blood
at the Loop of

Summary
The renal artery carries blood containing waste to the kidney.
The kidney will filter the blood.
Waste substances/substances in excess, e.g. urea and salts will
travel to the bladder via the ureters.
The cleaned blood will then pass back into the body via the renal
vein.
Blood is filtered in the kidney nephrons.
Here are the parts of the nephron & their function: Glomerulus: Filters the blood.
Bowmans/Renal Capsule: Collects the filtrate
Tubule: Selective reabsorption occurs (glucose, salts & water)
Collecting duct: Reabsorption of water

2008 PPQ

Tasks
Read Pgs 132-133
Answer Q1-3 on Pg. 133