Selective Reabsorption - GCSE Biology Definition

Reviewed by: Lára Marie McIvor

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Selective reabsorption is a process that happens in the kidneys during the filtration of blood. After the blood is filtered, useful substances like glucose, certain ions, and water are reabsorbed back into the bloodstream from the kidney tubules. This process ensures that only waste products and excess substances are removed in the urine, while the body retains the important substances it needs to function properly. Selective reabsorption relies on tiny structures called nephrons in the kidneys, which carefully decide what to keep and what to let go, helping to maintain a balance of fluids and nutrients in the body.

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Lára Marie McIvor

Reviewer: Lára Marie McIvor

Expertise: Biology, Psychology & Sociology Subject Lead

Lára graduated from Oxford University in Biological Sciences and has now been a science tutor working in the UK for several years. Lára has a particular interest in the area of infectious disease and epidemiology, and enjoys creating original educational materials that develop confidence and facilitate learning.

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