Urinary System Disorders

Urinary System

Removes metabolic wastes, hormones, drugs, and foreign materials; regulates water, electrolytes, acid-base balance; secretes erythropoietin; activates vitamin D; regulates blood pressure.

Kidneys

Organs that filter blood and produce urine.

Ureters

Tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.

Urinary Bladder

Hollow organ that stores urine until it is excreted.

Urethra

Tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.

Nephrons

Functional units of the kidneys responsible for urine production.

Bowman's Capsule

Structure in the nephron that encases the glomerulus.

Glomerulus

Network of capillaries where blood filtration begins in the nephron.

Renal Tubules

Part of the nephron where reabsorption and secretion occur.

Collecting Duct

Structure in the nephron that collects urine from multiple nephrons.

Filtration

Process where fluid and solutes are filtered from the blood into the nephron.

Reabsorption

Process of reclaiming water and essential solutes from the filtrate back into the bloodstream.

Active Transport

Mechanism of reabsorption that requires energy to move substances against a concentration gradient.

Osmosis

Movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

Hormone that increases water reabsorption in the kidneys.

Aldosterone

Hormone that promotes sodium reabsorption and potassium secretion in the kidneys.

Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)

Rate at which blood is filtered through the glomeruli of the kidneys.

Hematuria

Presence of blood in urine.

Proteinuria

Presence of excess protein in urine.

Urinalysis

Laboratory test examining urine to diagnose conditions.

Cystitis

Inflammation of the bladder, often caused by infection.

Urethritis

Inflammation of the urethra.

Pyelonephritis

Infection of the kidney tissue and renal pelvis.

Nephrotic Syndrome

Condition characterized by excessive protein loss in urine, leading to edema.

Chronic Renal Failure

Gradual loss of kidney function over time.

Acute Renal Failure

Sudden decrease in kidney function, potentially reversible.

Urolithiasis

Presence of kidney stones in the urinary tract.

Hydronephrosis

Dilation of the renal pelvis and calyces due to obstruction of urine flow.

Diuretic Drugs

Medications that promote the excretion of urine.

Hypertension

High blood pressure, can affect kidney function.

Nephrosclerosis

Hardening of the kidneys' blood vessels, often due to hypertension.

Glomerulonephritis

Inflammation of the glomeruli in the kidneys.

Tumors

Abnormal tissue growth in the kidneys or urinary system.

Bladder Cancer

Malignancy that arises from the bladder lining.

Renal Cell Carcinoma

Type of kidney cancer that begins in the lining of the renal tubules.

Electrolytes

Minerals in the body fluids that are vital for many bodily functions, including kidney function.

Urinary Incontinence

Inability to control urination.

Overflow Incontinence

Involuntary leakage of urine due to over-distended bladder.

Stress Incontinence

Loss of urine during activities that increase abdominal pressure.

Urinary Casts

Tubbular aggregates of cells or protein that can indicate kidney disease.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Gradual loss of kidney function over time.

Renin

Enzyme secreted by the kidneys that regulates blood pressure.

Azotemia

Excessive nitrogenous waste products in the blood.

Acidosis

Condition where there is an excess of acid in the body fluids.

Dialysis

Medical treatment that uses a machine to filter waste from the blood, performed when kidneys fail.

Hemodialysis

Dialysis treatment that filters blood directly through a machine.

Peritoneal Dialysis

Type of dialysis where the lining of the abdominal cavity acts as the filter.

Erythropoietin

Hormone produced by the kidneys that regulates red blood cell production.

Ureteropelvic Junction

Area where the ureter joins the renal pelvis.

Escherichia coli

Bacteria commonly associated with urinary tract infections.

Creatinine

Waste product measured to assess kidney function.

Acute Kidney Injury

A sudden episode of kidney failure or kidney damage.

Ectopic Kidney

Condition where the kidney is positioned abnormally.

Diuretic Effect

The increase in urine output due to diuretics.

Antibiotics

Medications used to treat bacterial infections in urinary disorders.

Fluid Retention

Excess fluid accumulation in the body, often linked to kidney problems.

Nephrotoxins

Substances that can cause damage to the kidneys.

Dull Flank Pain

Achy pain in the back near the kidneys, often indicating renal issues.

Renal Ultrasound

Imaging test used to visualize the kidneys and assess for abnormalities.

Kidney Stones

Hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys.

Excessive Urination

Frequent urination, often indicative of an underlying condition.

Bacteriuria

Presence of bacteria in the urine.

Phosphatemia

Presence of phosphate in the blood, important to monitor in kidney disease.

Anemia

Reduction in red blood cells, often seen in chronic renal failure.

Specific Gravity

Measurement of urine concentration, used to assess hydration status.

Electrolyte Balance

Maintenance of proper levels of ions in body fluids, critical for kidney health.

Kidney Biopsy

Procedure to remove and examine kidney tissue.

Prostate Hypertrophy

Enlargement of the prostate gland, can obstruct urine flow.

Peritoneal Cavity

Space within the abdomen that houses digestive organs, where peritoneal dialysis occurs.

Cytoscopy

Procedure to examine the urinary bladder using a scope.

Septicemia

Blood poisoning, which can complicate urinary infections.

Inflammatory Response

Body's immune response to injury or infection.

Systemic Inflammation

Widespread inflammation throughout the body, often seen in infections.

Nutritional Support

Assistance with diet to manage renal conditions.

Chronic Urinary Retention

Long-term inability to empty the bladder.

Micturition Reflex

Neurogenic reflex controlling urination.

Clearance Tests

Tests assessing renal function by measuring clearance rates of certain substances.

Urodynamics

Tests that evaluate the function of the bladder and urethra.

Chemotherapy

Drug treatment that targets cancer cells, applicable in malignancies like renal cancer.

Glucocorticoids

Steroid hormones used to reduce inflammation, could be prescribed for nephrotic syndrome.

Nurogenic Bladder

Bladder dysfunction caused by neurological issues.

Microscopic Hematuria

Blood in urine detectable by a microscope.

Prophylactic Antibiotics

Preventive antibiotics given to avoid infections, especially before procedures.

Dietary Management

Nutritional modifications to help manage kidney disease.

Fluid Restrictions

Limiting fluid intake in patients with kidney disease.

Healthy Lifestyle Changes

Adjustments in habits and diet aimed at improving kidney health.