Match each of the following components of blood (on the left) with what happens to it as the blood is processed by the kidney (on the right). Note that each lettered choice may be used more than once.


8. Water
9. Glucose
10. Plasma protein
11. Toxins or drugs
12. Red blood cell
13. Urea


a. passes into filtrate; almost all excreted in urine
b. remains in blood
c. passes into filtrate; mostly reabsorbed
d. secreted and excreted

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the function of the kidney in filtering blood. The kidney processes blood by filtering out waste products, reabsorbing essential substances, and secreting certain compounds into the urine.
2. Step 2: Analyze each blood component and determine its fate during kidney filtration. For example, water is filtered into the nephron and can be reabsorbed depending on the body's hydration needs.
3. Step 3: Consider glucose, which is filtered into the nephron but is almost entirely reabsorbed under normal conditions to prevent loss of energy sources.
4. Step 4: Plasma proteins and red blood cells are typically too large to pass through the filtration barrier of the glomerulus, so they remain in the blood.
5. Step 5: Toxins, drugs, and urea are either filtered into the nephron or actively secreted into the filtrate, and they are excreted in the urine as waste products.

Key Concepts

Kidney Function

The kidneys play a crucial role in filtering blood, removing waste products, and regulating water and electrolyte balance. They process blood through a series of structures, including nephrons, where filtration occurs. Understanding how the kidneys filter and reabsorb substances is essential for matching blood components with their fate during processing.

Filtration and Reabsorption

Filtration in the kidneys involves the movement of water and solutes from the blood into the renal tubules, forming filtrate. Some substances, like glucose and water, are mostly reabsorbed back into the bloodstream, while others, such as urea and toxins, are excreted. This process is vital for maintaining homeostasis and understanding how different blood components are handled.

Blood Components

Blood consists of various components, including water, glucose, plasma proteins, red blood cells, and waste products like urea. Each component has a specific role and fate during kidney processing. Recognizing the characteristics and functions of these components helps in predicting their behavior during filtration and reabsorption in the kidneys.