Basic Info for Ch 44

Ch 44 – Osmoregulation and Excretion

1. What is the overall function of the excretory system?
2. What is osmoregulation?
3. Briefly describe the challenge that each of these animals face when it comes to osmoregulation: marine animals, freshwater animals, land animals.
4. Define filtration, reabsorption, secretion and excretion.
5. What are the major structures of the mammalian excretory system? Name the 2 blood vessels, the 2 regions of the kidney, and the 4 structures through which urine travels after it is formed in the kidney. Be able to identify the location of each, as in figure 44.13 parts a and b.
6. What is a nephron?
7. Choose one example of a hormone or system of hormones that acts on the excretory system, and briefly describe how it works.

** Although questions 5-7 refer to mammalian systems, don't overlook the systems and adaptations of other animal groups also discussed in this chapter - include a bit about these in your notes.