Urinary Anatomy

Function of Urinary System

To remove nitrogenous wastes and excess electrolytes while retaining beneficial products the body needs

Kidney structure

Bean-shaped - located in the lumbar region outside/behind the serous membrane the peritoneum

Retroperitoneal

Lumbar region outside/ behind the serous membrane the peritoneum

Frontal section of a kidney

Renal Cortex; Renal Medulla; Renal Pelvis

Renal cortex

Outer region

Renal medulla

Inner region

Renal Pelvis

Where ureter joins kidney

Nephron

Microscopic functional unit of the kidney (where urine is produced through 3 physiological processes

Filtration

Of blood plasma in the glomerulus to produce filtrate (filtrate=fluid similar to plasma but less proteins)

Reabsorption

In Renal tubules; the filtrate passes through tubules where watermelon electrolyte, and amino acids renter the blood as needed

Secretion

In the Renal tubules as peritubular capillaries secrete waste from bold into the tubule fro removal in urine

Ureters

Vessels for carrying urine in peristaltic waves from the kidneys to the urinary bladder

Bladder

Hollow, muscular sac; temporary reservoir

Urethra

Tube that expels urine from the urinary bladder to outside the body (called urination or voiding).

Urethral meatus

Opening of the urethra

Electrolyte

Mineral salt of the body that carries an electrical charge and regulates nerve impulses, muscle contraction, hydration and blood ph

The major electrolytes of the body include…

Sodium, chloride, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphate, and bicarbonate

Nitrogenous wave

Products of protein metabolism that includes urea, uric acid, creative, creatinine, and ammonia

Peristaltic wave

Sequence of rhythmic contraction of smooth muscle of a hollow organ to force material forward and prevent back flow

pH

A solution with a pH of 7.0 is neutral, greater than 7.0 is alkaline, and less than 7.0 is acidic