section 3. (3) identify the role of the kidney in the excretory system of fish and mammals Flashcards
1
Q
What is the excretory system?
A
a group of organs that function together to remove metabolic wastes from the cells of an organism and expel them out of the system.
2
Q
What is the function of the kidneys?
A
The kidneys are the main organ for removing nitrogenous wastes in vertebrates.
3
Q
What are the 2 main functions of the kidneys?
A
1) filtration: excretion of nitrogenous wastes
2) osmoregulation: maintenance of a constant solute concentration in the body by excreting or reabsorbing water/salts
4
Q
Where do the kidney’s main functions occur?
A
filtration and osmoregulation occur in the nephrons
5
Q
What is the role of the kidneys in fish?
A
depends on the environment:
- in freshwater fish: reabsorb salt
- in saltwater fish: excrete excess salt and produce concentrated urine
