AEMCA Practice Exam

What is a primary function of the urinary system concerning homeostasis?

1. Regulate water balance and pH

2. Control heart rate

3. Produce hormones

4. Store nutrients

The correct answer is: Regulate water balance and pH

The primary function of the urinary system concerning homeostasis is to regulate water balance and pH. This system plays a crucial role in maintaining the internal environment of the body by controlling the volume of blood and the concentration of various solutes, including ions and water. Through the processes of filtration and reabsorption in the kidneys, the urinary system adjusts the excretion of water and waste products, which helps ensure that the body's fluid levels remain stable. Additionally, the urinary system helps regulate the acid-base balance by excreting hydrogen ions and reabsorbing bicarbonate from urine, thus influencing the pH of the blood. Keeping these parameters within a narrow range is vital for the optimal functioning of cells and overall metabolic processes. The other functions listed are important but do not directly relate to the homeostatic role of the urinary system. For instance, the control of heart rate is primarily managed by the cardiovascular and nervous systems, while hormone production is more associated with endocrine glands. Nutrient storage is typically the role of the digestive system rather than the urinary system.