The urinary system consists of organs that produce, store, and rid the body of urine. 188The kidneys excrete metabolic wastes and maintain the water-salt and the acid-base balance of the blood within normal limits. 189
10.2 Kidneys
Kidneys have a macroscopic (gross) anatomy and a microscopic anatomy. 191Urine is produced by many microscopic tubules called nephrons. 191
10.3 Urine Formation
Like many physiological processes, urine formation is a multistep process. 194-95
10.4 Maintaining Water-Salt Balance
The kidneys are under hormonal control as they regulate the water-salt balance of the body. 196-97
10.5 Maintaining Acid-Base Balance
The kidneys excrete hydrogen ions and reabsorb bicarbonate ions to regulate the pH of the blood. 199
10.6 Homeostasis
The urinary system works with the other systems of the body to maintain homeostasis. 199 s
10.7 Problems with Kidney Function
The kidneys are vital body organs, and their malfunction causes illness and even death. 200