Urinary System Functions and Nitrogenous Waste

Flashcards covering the functions of the urinary system, the processing of nitrogenous wastes, and the various systems involved in excretion.

Blood Volume and Pressure Regulation

The urinary system functions to regulate blood volume, pressure, and osmolarity by regulating water output.

Erythropoietin

A substance secreted by the urinary system to stimulate RBC production for supporting the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity.

Calcitriol Synthesis

A process aided by the urinary system that regulates calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism.

Detoxification

A function of the urinary system involving the clearing of drugs and hormones from the blood to limit their actions and the detoxification of free radicals.

Gluconeogenesis in Starvation

The urinary system supports blood glucose levels during starvation by synthesizing glucose from Amino Acids.

Nitrogenous Waste

The most toxic category of metabolic waste produced by the body.

Urea

The byproduct of protein metabolism that makes up $50\%$ of nitrogenous waste; it is formed in the liver from ammonia.

Ammonia

A toxic byproduct formed from the removal of the amino group from Amino Acids during protein metabolism.

Excretion

The process of separating wastes and eliminating them from the body, achieved by four organ systems.

Respiratory System Excretion

The elimination of $CO_2$, water, and tiny amounts of other gases.

Integumentary System Excretion

The elimination of water, lactate, inorganic salts, and urea through sweat.

Digestive System Excretion

The elimination of food residue, water, salts, $CO_2$, lipids, bile, and cholesterol.

Urinary System Excretion

The elimination of metabolic wastes, hormones, drugs, $H^+$, water, and toxins.