→ if the kidney is dissected longitudinally → an outer dark red region and an inner pale region are visible
2 Main sections of the kidney
- cortex (outer region)
- medulla (inner region)
inside the kidney ⇒ there are numerous nephrons
Nephrons ⇒ are the basic functional units of the kidney
⇒ there are tiny kidney tubules where urine is formed
Kidney is connected to the ureter ⇒ which drains the urine into the urinary bladder for removal
| Functions of the Kidney |
|---|
| Excretory Organ ⇒ removing mainly nitrogenous waste products (urea), excess water and mineral salts in the form of urine |
| Osmoregulators to maintain pH and composition of blood plasma by selectively reabsorbing useful substances along nephron |
| Regulate salt and water balance of the body fluid depending on the various conditions the body is exposed to |
| Inside the kidney ⇒ there are numerous nephrons |
| ⇒ Structure of a Nephron |