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Ultrafiltration, Selective Reabsorption and Osmoregulation.

Blood is filtered under pressure in the Bowman's capsule. The filtrate is the same composition as blood plasma except for an absence of large proteins and a lower protein concentration. Substances in the filtrate include amino-acids, urea, glucose, water and inorganic ions such as sodium, chloride and potassium ions. Glucose, amino-acids and inorganic ions are selectively reabsorbed in the proximal convoluted tubule.Over 80% of the water is reabsorbed in the proximal convoluted tubule and a large portion of the remaining water is absorbed in the loop of Henlé. The amount of water reabsorbed depends on the needs of the body and the rest of the water is reabsorbed under the control of the hormones ADH and aldosterone. Less than 10% of the filtrate reaches the collecting ducts.

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Specification: OCR Biology A (H420), A-level, 5.1.2 Excretion as an example of homeostatic control. Topic: Homeostasis.

Key terms in this lesson

Neurotransmitter
A chemical released from the presynaptic membrane at a synapse that diffuses across the synaptic cleft and binds to receptors on the postsynaptic membrane, triggering a response.
Acetylcholine
A neurotransmitter released at cholinergic synapses and neuromuscular junctions that causes depolarisation of the postsynaptic membrane.
Noradrenaline
A hormone and neurotransmitter produced by the adrenal medulla and the sympathetic nervous system that increases heart rate and constricts blood vessels to non-essential organs.

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