Question

Describe in brief how urine is produced in the human body.

Answer 1

Blood enters the kidneys through the renal artery, which branches into many capillaries associated with the glomerulus. Water and other solutes are transferred at the Bowman’s capsule. In the proximal tubule, some substances such as amino acids, glucose, and salts are selectively re-absorbed and unwanted molecules are removed. In the loop of Henle, water is re-absorbed. From here, the filtrate moves upwards into the distal tubule, and on to the collecting duct. This duct collects urine from many nephrons.

Answer 2

Three phases are involved in the production of urine:

1. Glomerular filtration: The nephron’s Bowman’s capsule filters nitrogenous waste, glucose, water, and amino acids from the blood.
2. Tubular reabsorption: Capillaries encircling the nephron reabsorb beneficial components from the filtrate.
3. Secretion: The tubule produces urea, excess water, and salts, which eventually open up into the collecting duct and the ureter.