Final answer:
The principal function of the urinary system is to filter and remove waste products, excess water, and mineral ions from the blood, forming urine. It includes the kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra, which work together to maintain homeostasis and regulate various bodily functions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Principal Function of the Urinary System
The principal function of the urinary system is to filter the blood, removing waste products like urea and uric acid, along with excess water and mineral ions. This filtration results in the formation of urine. The components of the urinary system, which include the kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra, work in concert to accomplish this vital process.
Each kidney contains millions of filtration units called nephrons, which process the blood to form urine. The produced urine is then transported from the kidneys through the ureters to the urinary bladder, which serves as a storage reservoir. When the body is ready to eliminate the urine, it is excreted through the urethra.
In addition to waste elimination, the urinary system is essential in maintaining homeostasis by regulating the volume and composition of extracellular fluids, the body's acid-base balance, electrolyte levels, and blood pressure. These functions are critical for the overall health and proper functioning of the body.