Word parts
What it means
The kidneys filter a large amount of fluid out of the blood each day, then take most of it back. Reabsorption returns water, glucose, sodium, potassium and other useful substances from the tubules to the blood, so that only a small amount leaves as urine. Hormones such as aldosteroneal-DOS-tuh-rohnA hormone from the adrenal glands that makes the kidneys keep sodium and water and get rid of potassium.aldo- from aldehyde (a chemical group)-sterone steroid hormoneFull entry and antidiuretic hormone control how much sodium and water are taken back, and many diuretics work by blocking reabsorption.
At a glance
| Also written | reabsorb, reabsorbs, reabsorbed |
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Related terms
diuretic
A drug that makes the kidneys pass more water and salt out of the body as urine.
kidney
One of two bean-shaped organs in the back of the belly that filter the blood and make urine.
glomerul/o
A word root that means glomerulus, the tiny ball of capillaries in the kidney that filters the blood.
aldosterone
A hormone from the adrenal glands that makes the kidneys keep sodium and water and get rid of potassium.