Study Guide Exam 4 Key Concepts

Question 1

Understand osmosis and how it is related to vertebrate survival

Answer 1

Osmosis is the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane. Vertebrates must regulate their internal water and solute balance for cell function. Disruptions can lead to dehydration or cell swelling.

Question 2

Understand the differences between osmoregulation and excretion

Answer 2

Osmoregulation is maintaining the balance of water and solutes. Excretion is eliminating metabolic waste products.

Question 3

Understand how water balance is maintained

Answer 3

Through intake (drinking, food), output (urination, etc.), and physiological mechanisms (kidneys, hormones).

Question 4

Understand how wastes are eliminated

Answer 4

Primarily through the urinary system (kidneys), but also the digestive, respiratory, and integumentary systems.

Question 5

Understand the structure of vertebrate excretory systems

Answer 5

Kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, urethra.

Question 6

Understand the vertebrate nephron

Answer 6

Glomerulus, renal tubule (proximal tubule, loop of Henle, distal tubule), collecting duct.

Question 7

Understand structure and function of the kidney and nephron

Answer 7

Kidney filters blood and regulates water balance. Nephron is the functional unit that filters, reabsorbs,