selective reabsorption
selective reabsorption The absorption of some of the components of the glomerular filtrate back into the blood as the filtrate flows through the nephrons of the kidney. Glucose, amino acids, and salts can be reabsorbed against a concentration gradient and their transport across the nephron into the capillaries requires energy (see active transport). Other components, such as ammonia and urea, are secreted rather than absorbed (see secretion), while certain ions, including potassium, can be both secreted and absorbed by the tubules according to the overall ionic balance throughout the body.
More From encyclopedia.com
You Might Also Like
NEARBY TERMS
selective reabsorption