CCMA Training Notes: Urinary System

What are the two bean-shaped structures in the urinary system that filter blood and produce urine?

Kidneys

What structure transports urine from the kidneys to the urinary bladder?

Ureters

What is the name of the muscular organ that stores urine before it is eliminated from the body?

Urinary Bladder

How long is the female urethra, and where does it exit the body?

About 1.5 inches long, exiting through the urethral meatus located between the clitoris and the vagina.

How long is the male urethra, and what additional function does it serve?

About 8 inches long, it transports both urine and semen.

What is the outer layer of each kidney that contains nephrons?

Renal cortex

What term describes the innermost area of the kidney?

Renal medulla

What structures within the renal medulla collect urine?

Tubules

What is the blood vessel that brings blood into the kidney?

Renal artery

What area is described as the funnel-shaped part of the kidney where urine collects?

Renal pelvis

What process involves filtering blood to remove waste and maintain balance in the body?

Homeostasis

What is the afferent arteriole's role in the renal system?

It brings blood from the renal artery into the kidneys.

What is the filtration structure within each nephron called?

Glomerulus

What happens to filtered blood after passing through the glomerulus?

It leaves the kidney through the renal vein.

What term describes the substances and water removed from blood that flow into the renal tubules?

Filtrate

What 3 substances are reabsorbed by the body during urine formation?

1. Water

2. Sugar

3. Salts

What constitutes the waste products that become urine?

Everything else not needed by the body, which is transported to the renal pelvis.

What are the 4 processes of urine formation?

1. Filtration

2. Reabsorption

3. Secretion

4. Excretion.

What does filtration in the kidneys keep confined to the bloodstream?

Blood cells and large proteins

What process in urine formation moves nutrients and water back into the bloodstream?

Reabsorption

What is secreted into the renal tubules during urine formation?

Waste ions and hydrogen molecules

What is the final step of urine formation where urine leaves the body?

Excretion

What are the diseases of the kidney, including degenerative or inflammatory conditions, referred to?

Nephropathy

What is diabetic nephropathy?

A kidney disease that results from late-stage diabetes mellitus.

What is renal failure?

The inability of one or both kidneys to function properly.

What condition results from renal failure, causing waste products to build up in the body?

Uremia

What is acute renal failure?

A sudden onset of renal failure caused by a drop in blood volume or pressure.

What is chronic kidney disease?

A progressive loss of renal function over time.

What is end-stage renal disease (ESRD)?

The final stage of chronic kidney disease requiring dialysis or a transplant.

What condition is characterized by excessive protein loss through urine due to damage to glomeruli?

Nephrotic syndrome

What is edema concerning kidney disease?

Excessive fluid accumulation in body tissue.

What does hyper-proteinuria indicate?

An abnormally high concentration of protein in the urine.

What does hypoproteinemia refer to?

An abnormally low concentration of protein in the blood.

What is hydronephrosis?

Dilation or swelling of the kidneys due to urine backup caused by obstruction.

What does nephritis refer to?

Inflammation of the kidney.

What is glomerulonephritis caused by?

Inflammation of the glomeruli.

What condition involves numerous fluid-filled cysts growing in the kidneys?

Polycystic Kidney Disease

What causes renal colic?

Acute pain in the kidney area from blockage by a kidney stone.

What is Wilms tumor?

A rare malignant kidney tumor occurring in children that arises from immature kidney cells + can cause abdominal swelling, pain, and high blood pressure.

What are kidney stones also known as?

Calculoses

What is nephrolithiasis?

The presence of stones in the kidneys or urinary tract, often causing pain and urinary issues.

What is a Nephrolith?

A stone located in the kidneys that can obstruct urine flow and cause pain.

What is a ureterolith?

A stone located in the ureter that can block urine flow from the kidney to the bladder, potentially causing pain and urinary complications.

What is a cystolith?

A stone located in the urinary bladder that can lead to urinary retention, pain, and discomfort.

What does hydroureter refer to?

Distension of the ureter with urine due to blockage.

What is ureter ectasis?

Distension of a ureter due to congenital abnormalities.

What is urethrorrhagia?

Discharge of blood from the urethra.

What is cystocele?

A prolapsed bladder caused by a hernia through the vaginal wall.

What condition involves inflammation of the bladder?

Cystitis

What condition involves inflammation of the renal pelvis and kidney, often from bacterial infections?

Pyelonephritis

What does urethritis refer to?

Inflammation of the urethra caused by infections or irritants.

What is anuria?

The absence of urine formation by the kidneys resulting in little to no urination.

What does diuresis mean?

Increased output of urine due to various factors, such as fluid intake, medication, or disease.

What is dysuria?

Difficult or painful urination often associated with infections or irritation of the urinary tract.

What does enuresis refer to?

Involuntary discharge of urine.

What is nocturnal enuresis more commonly known as?

Bed-wetting.

What is nocturia?

Frequent and excessive urination during the night.

What does oliguria refer to?

Scanty urination caused by dehydration or obstruction.

What is polyuria?

Excessive urination often associated with diabetes.

What does urinary hesitancy refer to?

Difficulty starting a urinary stream.

What does incontinence mean?

The inability to control urinary excretion.

What is overflow incontinence?

Continuous leaking from an overfilled bladder.

What might cause overflow incontinence?

Physical stress like sneezing or exercising.

What is an overactive bladder?

Involuntary contractions of the bladder muscles even when not full.