Final answer:
The kidneys experience several age-related changes, including tubule degeneration, a reduction in renal blood flow, and a decrease in renal function, which means all listed answers are correct in regards to the changes in the kidneys with age.
Step-by-step explanation:
Age-Related Changes in the Kidneys
The kidneys are the largest components of the urinary system, which also includes the ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra. As a person ages, certain changes occur within the kidneys, such as:
Tubule degeneration: The tubules within the kidneys, which are essential for filtering waste from the blood, can degrade over time.
Reduction in renal blood flow: The amount of blood that flows through the kidneys can diminish as one gets older, impacting the kidneys' ability to filter blood effectively.
Reduction in renal function: Overall, the kidneys' performance in filtering blood and producing urine can decrease with age.
All of these changes are a natural part of the aging process, and collectively, they can lead to decreased efficiency in the urinary system's function. Consequently, the correct answer to the student's question is b. All of these answers are correct.