Question

Why is reabsorption described as a selective process?

Answer 1

Reabsorption:

1. Reabsorption refers to the absorption of water, glucose, amino acids, salts, and other useful substances from the glomerular filtrate or ultrafiltrate.
2. About 99% of glomerular filtrate is reabsorbed by ‘kidney tubule or nephron’.

Selective reabsorption

1. The reabsorption is described as a selective process because the reabsorption of filtrate occurs gradually when the filtrate passes down the tubule.
2. Not every component of the glomerular filtrate is reabsorbed into the blood.
3. Only those components which are required in the body and are not in excess get absorbed by the process of reabsorption.