Question

List AND describe the five functions of the urinary system, making sure to address the following: a. How does EPO regulates blood volume. b. Summarize the pathway of how blood calcium levels are regulated by calcitriol. Make sure to focus on its effects on the intestine, bone, and kidney.

Answer 1

The urinary system consists of the ureters, kidneys, bladder, and urethra, also known as the renal system or urinary tract. It performs several functions including:

1. Regulate blood volume and pressure: change the amount of water lost in urine, EPO (more bone marrow activates RBC) and Renin

2. Regulate concentrations of plasma ions: monitors potassium, sodium, and chloride ions lost through urine and calcium ion levels by calcitriol synthesis (osteoclast activity and prevents urinary loss)

3. Helps to regulate blood pH: monitor hydrogen ion loss and bicarbonate ions in urine

4. Conserve essential nutrients: preventing nutrient excretion when excreting agricultural wastes

5. Help to detoxify toxins in the liver