By 20 weeks, which organ is identifiable and responsible for urine formation?

By 20 weeks, which organ is identifiable and responsible for urine formation?

• A. Kidneys
• B. Lungs
• C. Spleen
• D. Pancreas

Answer: (A)

Fetal urine production is carried out by the kidneys. By about 20 weeks gestation, the kidneys are developed enough to be identified on ultrasound, and their urine output becomes a key component of amniotic fluid. The other organs mentioned do not form urine: the lungs are for gas exchange, the spleen is involved in immune and hematologic functions, and the pancreas handles digestion and metabolism. So the kidneys are the organ identifiable at this stage and responsible for urine formation.

Fetal urine production is carried out by the kidneys. By about 20 weeks gestation, the kidneys are developed enough to be identified on ultrasound, and their urine output becomes a key component of amniotic fluid. The other organs mentioned do not form urine: the lungs are for gas exchange, the spleen is involved in immune and hematologic functions, and the pancreas handles digestion and metabolism. So the kidneys are the organ identifiable at this stage and responsible for urine formation.