What is NOT a function of the urinary system?
a. Remove waste products from blood
b. Regulate body fluid
c. Supply oxygen
d. Regulate elements
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is c. Supply oxygen.
The urinary system plays a crucial role in maintaining the body’s homeostasis, but supplying oxygen is not one of its functions. Oxygen supply is primarily the responsibility of the respiratory system, which involves the lungs. The urinary system, on the other hand, is primarily concerned with filtering the blood and removing waste products, regulating fluid balance, and maintaining the proper concentration of elements like electrolytes.
- Remove waste products from blood: The kidneys filter out waste products like urea, creatinine, and other metabolic byproducts from the blood. These wastes are then excreted as urine, which helps keep the blood clean and free of toxic substances. This filtration process also helps balance the body’s acid-base levels and electrolyte levels.
- Regulate body fluid: The kidneys are vital for maintaining the body’s fluid balance. They regulate the volume of water in the body by adjusting urine output based on the body’s hydration status. When the body is dehydrated, the kidneys conserve water by concentrating urine, and when the body has excess water, they increase urine production to expel it.
- Regulate elements: The kidneys help maintain the balance of essential electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and phosphate. This regulation is crucial for nerve function, muscle contractions, and overall cellular processes. The kidneys adjust the excretion of these elements to maintain a stable internal environment (homeostasis).
However, supplying oxygen is carried out by the circulatory and respiratory systems, specifically the lungs and the red blood cells, which carry oxygen from the lungs to tissues throughout the body. Therefore, the urinary system does not contribute to the supply of oxygen.