What is the pathway a uric acid molecule takes from a glomerulus to the urethra?
1 Answer
Uric acid molecules appear in the glomerular filtrate by ultrafiltration, but only 10% of the filtered load gets excreted. The rest is absorbed back into the blood through the tubules.
Explanation:
Here are the major signposts along the way.
Through the nephron
The major landmarks are passed as the molecule moves through the nephron.
Glomerulus → Bowman's capsule → proximal convoluted tubule → descending loop of Henle → ascending loop of Henle → distal convoluted tubule → collecting duct
(From www.easynotecards.com)
After the nephron
Hundreds of collecting ducts feed into a minor calyx (cup)
Two or three minor calyces converge to form a major calyx.
(From en.wikipedia.org)
These feed through the renal pelvis into the ureter
Collecting duct → minor calyx → major calyx → renal pelvis → ureter
The final path
The ureter feeds into the bladder and urethra.
Ureter → bladder → urethra → OUT!