Chapter 11: The Urinary System Vocabulary

A complete list of vocabulary terms from Chapter 11 on the Urinary System, including anatomical parts, physiological processes, and common pathological conditions.

Kidney

Thận

Ureter

A tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder.

Urinary bladder

A muscular sac that stores urine.

Urethra

A tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body.

Urinary tract

The system consisting of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.

Capsule

A protective layer surrounding the kidney.

Cortex

The outer region of the kidney.

Medulla

The inner region of the kidney containing the renal pyramids.

Pyramid

A triangular structure located in the renal medulla.

Renal pelvis

A funnel-shaped structure that collects urine before it enters the ureter.

Nephron

The basic functional unit of the kidney.

Glomerulus

A network of capillaries where blood filtration occurs.

Bowman’s capsule

A cup-shaped structure surrounding the glomerulus that collects filtrate.

Afferent arteriole

A small artery that carries blood into the glomerulus.

Efferent arteriole

A small artery that carries blood away from the glomerulus.

Renal tubule

A tubular structure in the nephron where reabsorption and secretion occur.

Proximal convoluted tubule

The first coiled section of the renal tubule.

Loop of Henle

A U-shaped part of the nephron involved in concentrating urine.

Distal convoluted tubule

The coiled section of the renal tubule after the loop of Henle.

Peritubular capillaries

Capillaries surrounding renal tubules where substances are reabsorbed and secreted.

Internal urethral sphincter

An involuntary muscle that controls urine release from the bladder.

External urethral sphincter

A voluntary muscle that helps control urination.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a stable internal environment in the body.

Filtrate

Fluid that passes through the filtration membrane of the glomerulus.

Filtration

The process by which water and small substances pass from blood into the nephron.

Reabsorption

The process of returning useful substances from the filtrate to the blood.

Secretion

The movement of substances from the blood into the renal tubule.

Excretion

The elimination of waste products from the body in urine.

Renin

An enzyme released by the kidneys that helps regulate blood pressure.

Urination

The process of passing urine from the bladder out of the body.

Voiding

The act of emptying the bladder.

Urinary tract infection (UTI)

An infection affecting any part of the urinary tract.

Cystitis

Inflammation or infection of the urinary bladder.

Urethritis

Inflammation of the urethra.

Nephritis

Inflammation of the kidney.

Pyelonephritis

An infection and inflammation of the kidney and renal pelvis.

Urolithiasis

The formation or presence of stones in the urinary tract.

Kidney stone

A hard mineral deposit formed in the kidney.

Renal failure

A condition in which the kidneys cannot adequately perform their functions.

Uraemia

Accumulation of waste products, especially urea, in the blood.

Nephroblastoma

A malignant kidney tumor that mainly affects children.

Urinary incontinence (UI)

The involuntary leakage of urine.

Stress incontinence

Urine leakage caused by physical pressure such as coughing or sneezing.

Urge incontinence

Involuntary urine leakage associated with a sudden strong urge to urinate.

Overactive bladder

A condition characterized by a sudden, frequent, or difficult-to-control urge to urinate.

Dialysis

A treatment that removes waste and excess fluid from the blood.

Dialysis machine

A machine used to perform dialysis.

Kidney transplantation

A procedure in which a healthy kidney is transplanted into a patient.

Catheter

A flexible tube inserted into the body to drain urine or deliver fluids.

Sterile

Free from microorganisms that can cause infection.

Microbe-free

Free from microorganisms.

Anuria

Complete or almost complete absence of urine output.

Dysuria

Pain or discomfort during urination.

Frequency

The need to urinate more often than usual.

Haematuria

The presence of blood in the urine.

Hesitancy

Difficulty or delay in starting the flow of urine.

Nocturia

The need to wake up during the night to urinate.

Nocturnal enuresis

Involuntary urination during sleep.

Oliguria

Abnormally low urine output.

Pneumaturia

The presence or passage of air or gas in the urine.

Polyuria

Abnormally large urine output.

Urgency

A sudden, strong, and difficult -to -delay need to urinate.

Strangury

Painful urination accompanied by a strong urge to urinate.