Osmoregulation & Excretion

This set includes key terms and definitions related to the concepts of osmoregulation and excretion in animals, focusing on mechanisms that maintain water and solute balance.

Osmoregulation

The process by which an organism regulates the water and solute concentrations in its body to maintain homeostasis.

Osmosis

The movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane from a region of lower solute concentration to a region of higher solute concentration.

Hyperosmotic

A solution that has a higher concentration of solutes compared to another solution.

Hypoosmotic

A solution that has a lower concentration of solutes compared to another solution.

Nitrogenous waste

Waste products generated from the breakdown of proteins and nucleic acids that can be toxic.

Renal function

The processes of filtration, reabsorption, secretion, and excretion in the kidneys.

Filtration

The process in the kidneys where blood is filtered to form urine.

Reabsorption

The process of reclaiming water and nutrients from the filtrate back into the blood.

Secretion

The process of transporting additional wastes from the blood into the filtrate.

Excretion

The process of eliminating waste products from the body.

Aquaporins

Water channel proteins that facilitate the movement of water across cell membranes in response to antidiuretic hormone (ADH).

ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone)

A hormone that regulates water balance in the body by promoting water reabsorption in the kidneys.

Osmoconformers

Organisms that maintain an isotonic internal environment with their external surroundings.

Osmoregulators

Organisms that actively control their internal osmotic environment, balancing water and solute concentrations.

Primary urine

The initial filtrate formed by the kidneys, which will undergo further processing to become urine.

Podocytes

Specialized cells in the glomerulus of the kidney that assist in the filtration process.

Loop of Henle

A structure in the nephron that plays a critical role in the concentration of urine.

Collecting duct

The final segment of the nephron where urine is concentrated before being excreted.

Urea

A less toxic nitrogenous waste product formed from ammonia during protein metabolism.

Uric Acid

A nitrogenous waste that is less toxic than ammonia and requires minimal water for excretion.

Metabolic water

Water produced by metabolic processes in organisms, particularly in desert animals.