Urine is formed in the kidneys. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located in the back of the abdomen, just below the ribs. They filter waste products from the blood and produce urine, which is then transported through the ureters to the bladder for storage.
The process of urine formation involves three main steps:
- Glomerular filtration: Blood is filtered through tiny blood vessels in the kidneys called glomeruli. This process removes waste products, excess water, and other substances from the blood.
- Tubular reabsorption: As the filtered fluid travels through the nephron, a specialized tubule in the kidney, essential nutrients, water, and electrolytes are reabsorbed back into the bloodstream.
- Tubular secretion: Additional waste products and toxins are secreted from the blood into the tubule, further concentrating the urine.
The urine produced by the kidneys then flows through the ureters to the bladder, where it is stored until it is released from the body through the urethra.
