• urinary system rids the body of waste products • kidneys also play important roles in blood volume, pressure, and composition • the urinary system is closely associated with the reproductive system o shared embryonic development and adult anatomical relationship o collectively called the urogenital (UG) system lOMoARcPSD|12263423 2 Downloaded by Anna Maina (annamurugijoe@gmail.com) 23.1 - Functions of the Urinary System • urinary system consists of 6 organs - o 2 kidneys, o 2 ureters, o 1 urinary bladder, and o 1 urethra lOMoARcPSD|12263423 3 Downloaded by Anna Maina (annamurugijoe@gmail.com) Functions of the Kidneys • functions of the kidneys - o filter blood plasma and excrete toxic wastes o regulate blood volume, pressure, and osmolarity by regulating water output o regulate electrolytes and acid-base balance of the body fluids o secrete erythropoietin, which stimulates the production of red blood cells and thus supports the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood o help regulate calcium levels and bone metabolism by participating in calcitriol synthesis o clear hormones and drugs from blood and thereby limit their action o detoxify free radicals o in starvation, they help to support the blood glucose level by synthesizing glucose from amino acids (gluconeogenesis)