Human-Physiologyexcretory-Products-And-Their-Elimination-2
The kidneys, vital for fluid and electrolyte balance, have a distinctive structure consisting of the cortex, medulla, renal hilum, and renal pelvis, with blood supplied via the renal artery and drained through the renal vein. Nephrons, the kidney’s functional units, comprise the glomerulus, Bowman’s capsule, and renal tubule, encompassing the proximal tubule, loop of Henle, distal tubule, and collecting duct. The glomerulus, a critical component, performs high-pressure filtration aided by fenestrated capillary walls and podocytes in Bowman’s capsule. Meanwhile, the adrenal gland, positioned atop each kidney, houses the adrenal cortex responsible for producing aldosterone. This hormone regulates sodium and potassium levels within the nephron’s tubules, thereby maintaining proper fluid and electrolyte balance, an integral part of the excretion process in the kidneys.
