kidney

Kidney

The two bean-shaped organs located on either side of the vertebral column in the abdomen, responsible for filtration and excretion.

Nephron

The functional unit of the kidney that performs the basic function of filtration.

Bowman's capsule

The cup-like, thin-walled upper part of a nephron where filtration begins.

Glomerulus

The network of capillaries located within the Bowman's capsule that filters blood.

Urea

A waste product produced in the liver that is filtered out of blood by the kidneys.

Semipermeable membrane

A membrane that allows certain substances to pass while blocking others, found in Bowman's capsule.

Urine

The waste solution formed from the remaining solution after useful substances are reabsorbed in the nephron.

Ureters

The tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the urinary bladder.

Urinary bladder

The muscular organ that stores urine before it is expelled from the body.

Urethra

The tube through which urine is expelled from the urinary bladder.

Excretion

The process of removing waste materials from the body, primarily performed by the kidneys.

Control of urination

The ability to regulate the release of urine, managed by nerve signals to the urinary bladder.