Differentiate between the following pairs on the basis of what is indicated in the brackets:
Ureter and Urethra (Functions)
Topic: Ureter and urethra
Answer
The URETER conducts URINE from the KIDNEY to the URINARY BLADDER.
The URETHRA expels urine FROM the urinary bladder OUT OF THE BODY. (In the male it also carries semen.)
The brackets restrict the answer to FUNCTIONS, so describe what each DOES.
THIS SPELLING PAIR COSTS MARKS EVERY YEAR, and the only remedy is to learn the whole path in order: KIDNEY → URETER → BLADDER → URETHRA → outside. The function of each then follows from its position.
TWO DETAILS worth adding: there are TWO ureters but only ONE urethra, and in the MALE the urethra is shared by the urinary and reproductive systems — carrying both urine and semen, though never at the same time. That is why the male system is called UROGENITAL.
| Point of difference | Ureter | Urethra |
|---|---|---|
| Function | Carries urine from kidney to bladder | Carries urine from bladder to the outside |
| Number | Two, one from each kidney | One |
| Also carries | Urine only | Urine and, in the male, semen |