What function does the bladder serve in the urinary system?

The bladder serves the vital function of temporarily storing urine produced by the kidneys before it is expelled from the body. Once urine is created in the kidneys, it travels through the ureters and is collected in the bladder, where it can be stored until the body is ready to eliminate it. This storage function allows for the regulation of urination, enabling the body to release urine at appropriate times rather than continuously.

While other options mention important functions associated with the urinary system—such as filtering blood, directing urine out of the body, and producing urine—they do not accurately describe the specific role of the bladder. The filtering of blood is primarily the function of the kidneys, production of urine occurs in the kidneys as well, and directing urine out of the body involves the urethra. Therefore, the primary and correct function of the bladder is its role in temporarily storing urine.