PT Tech - Urinary System

The urinary system, also known as

the renal system, is responsible for the production, storage, and elimination of urine.

The urinary system plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis by

regulating fluid and electrolyte balance, removing waste products, regulating pH of blood, and controlling blood pressure.

Kidneys location

either side of the spine, just below the rib cage.

The kidneys primarily function to

filter blood/ remove waste products and excess substances, therefore producing urine.

regulate electrolyte balance (e.g., sodium, calcium, potassium, etc.), maintain acid-base balance (pH of blood), and produce the hormones erythropoietin (blood cell production) and renin (blood pressure regulation).

Nephrons are

the basic functional unit of the kidney. They exist as tiny coiled tubes with a bulb at one end.

The glomerulus is

a cluster of capillaries in the nephron

The nephron filters out

water, electrolytes, waste products, and toxins from the blood and returns nutrients and water as needed for homeostasis, Also regulates pH and fluid composition

Ureters

are two narrow tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder

The ureters function to

transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder via peristaltic contractures of the walls of the ureters.

The urinary bladder is

a hollow, muscular organ located in the pelvis.

The function of the bladder is to

store urine until it is ready to be secreted. The bladder can expand and contract to accommodate various volumes of urine.

The urethra is a

tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body (length and structure varies between males and females).

The urethra functions to

provide a passageway for urine to be excreted from the body. The urethra also carries semen during ejaculation in males

The Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) is a key component of

blood pressure regulation in the body.

The kidneys are responsible for releasing

renin, a hormone which converts angiotensin to angiotensin I which is subsequently converted to angiotensin II, which stimulates the release of aldosterone, increasing sodium and water reabsorption to raise blood pressure.

Dysuria

painful and difficult urination

Urinary Retention

inability to empty bladder

Nephromegaly

enlarged kidney

Nocturia

excessive nighttime urination

Oliguria

excessive production of urine

Pyuria

pus in the urine

Hematuria

blood in the urine

Hemodialysis is a

treatment used for people with kidney failure. During the procedure, blood is removed from the body and filtered through a machine called a dialyzer, which acts like an artificial kidney.

Lower Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

infection in the lower urinary tract, typically affecting the bladder (cystitis) and urethra (urethritis).

Upper UTI

infection in the upper urinary tract, typically affecting the kidneys (pyelonephritis).

Renal Calculi (Kidney Stones)

hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys.

Chronic Renal Failure (CKD)

gradual loss of kidney function over time, leading to the inability to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood

Neurogenic Bladder

a condition in which the bladder’s nerve signals are disrupted, leading to problems with bladder control

Urinary Incontinence

involuntary leakage of urine due to weakened bladder control.