Chapter 34, Problem 35A

Summary Introduction

To write:

About the differences between filtration and reabsorption in the kidney

Introduction:

The excretory system is the system of an organism's body that performs the function of excretion, the bodily process of discharging wastes. Several parts of the body are involved in this process, such as sweat glands, the liver, the lungs and the kidney system. The kidneys maintain homeostasis by removing wastes and excess water from the body and by maintaining the pH of the blood. The kidneys are the major excretory organ in the body. It is a bean-shaped organ that is involved in urine formation performs filtration of blood.

Explanation of Solution

Filtration is the first stage of urine formation occurring in the nephron's glomerulus. In contrast, reabsorption is the second step occurring in other parts of the nephron. Filtration is the movement of water and solutes through a cell membrane because of the hydrostatic pressure of the cardiovascular system, whereas reabsorption is the movement of solutes and water from renal tubules back into the plasma.

Conclusion

Kidney filtration can be regarded as a passive process, whereas reabsorption can be regarded as an active process.