Which term refers to the tube that carries urine to the outside of the body?

The correct term for the tube that carries urine to the outside of the body is the urethra. This anatomical structure plays a crucial role in the urinary system, functioning as the conduit through which urine flows from the urinary bladder and is expelled from the body.

Understanding the distinction between related terms is important. The ureter, for instance, is the tube that transports urine from the kidneys to the bladder, which serves as a storage organ for urine until it is expelled. The kidneys are responsible for filtering blood and producing urine, while the bladder holds the urine until the body signals the need to urinate. Therefore, the urethra is specifically designated for the final passage of urine, making it the correct answer in this context.