Question

What is the function of the kidneys in excretion? Explain with the help of a diagram.

Answer 1

Kidney functions:

There is a pair of kidneys present on the two sides of the spinal cord which is responsible for the generation of urine. It contains nephrons as the smallest functional units which help with the filtration, secretion and reabsorption of specific components through the urine.

1. Filtration of blood: The unwanted chemical molecules like the nitrogenous waste products are removed from the blood in the kidney during filtration of blood.

2. Secretion: The unwanted excess ions are released or secreted out of the system through the kidney.

3. Reabsorption: The essential molecules that are removed during filtration are again reabsorbed as they are essential for the body functioning. They again move back to the blood vessels.