Which of the following organs removes nitrogenous waste from the body?
A.
Large Intestines
B.
Liver
C.
Kidneys
D.
Gall Bladder
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is C. Kidneys.
The kidneys play a crucial role in the body’s excretory system, primarily responsible for filtering blood and removing nitrogenous waste. Nitrogenous waste is primarily produced from the metabolism of proteins and nucleic acids. As these macromolecules are broken down, they produce waste products such as urea, creatinine, and uric acid. The kidneys filter these substances from the blood, allowing the body to maintain a balanced internal environment and prevent toxic accumulation.
The process begins with blood entering the kidneys through the renal arteries. Each kidney contains about a million functional units called nephrons, which are responsible for the filtration process. In the nephrons, blood is filtered in a structure called the glomerulus, where small molecules, including water, ions, and nitrogenous wastes, pass into the renal tubule. Larger molecules like proteins and blood cells remain in the bloodstream.
Once filtered, the waste products are further processed. The nephrons reabsorb essential nutrients and water, which are then returned to the bloodstream, while the remaining waste forms urine. This urine collects in the renal pelvis and is transported to the bladder via the ureters, where it is stored until excretion.
In contrast, the other options provided do not primarily focus on nitrogenous waste removal. The large intestines primarily manage water absorption and fecal matter elimination, the liver processes various metabolic wastes and produces urea but does not excrete waste directly, and the gallbladder stores bile, which is involved in digestion, not waste removal.
In summary, the kidneys are vital for removing nitrogenous waste from the body, maintaining homeostasis, and ensuring that metabolic waste does not reach toxic levels, ultimately playing a fundamental role in overall health.