Paediatric Urology Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards for Paediatric Urology.

Pronephros

Precursor of the kidney; functions between weeks 1 and 4 of gestation and then regresses.

Mesonephros

Functions from weeks 4-8 of gestation and is associated with the mesonephric and paramesonephric duct systems.

Metanephros

The permanent kidney, formed when the ureteric buds stimulate renal tissue.

Mesonephric Ducts

In males, forms the epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, and central zone of the prostate; in females, it regresses. Forms the ureters and renal collecting system in both sexes.

Paramesonephric Ducts

Forms the female genital system (Fallopian tubes, uterus, upper vagina); in males, it regresses.

Urogenital Canal/Sinus

Formed during weeks 4-6, develops into the bladder (upper part), the entire urethra in females, and the posterior urethra in males.

Allantois

Initially connected to the bladder dome, but later regresses to become a fibrous cord (urachus).

Genital Ridges

Formed by cells of the mesonephros and coelomic epithelium; give rise to the gonads.

Sertoli Cells

Produce Müllerian inhibiting substance (MIS) to trigger regression of the paramesonephric ducts in males.

Leydig Cells

Secrete testosterone from week 9 in males, contributing to masculinization of the fetus.

Gubernaculum

Tissue that guides the testis into the scrotum during development.

Processus Vaginalis

Diverticulum of the peritoneum that encloses the testis; the distal part persists as the tunica vaginalis.

Ovarian Follicles

Formed from secondary sex cords surrounding germ cells in females, develop around week 15.

Sinovaginal Sinus

Developed at the junction of the paramesonephric ducts and the urogenital sinus, forming the lower third of the vagina.

Undescended Testes

Failure of one or both testes to descend into the scrotum.

Ectopic Cryptorchidism

Abnormal testis migration below the external ring of the inguinal canal.

Retractile Testes

Testes that retract up and out of the scrotum due to an active cremasteric reflex.

Physiological phimosis

Non-retractile foreskin at birth, which usually resolves with age.

Pathological phimosis

Scarring of the foreskin opening leading to symptoms and non-retractibility of the prepuce.

Congenital megaprepuce

Also known as primary buried penis, characterized by a massively enlarged foreskin.

Simple UTI

Presents with mild dehydration and pyrexia.

Severe UTI

Presents as fever (≥38°C), unwell, vomiting, and moderate to severe dehydration.

Atypical UTI

Includes features of serious illness/septicaemia, poor urinary flow, bladder mass, elevated creatinine, abnormal renal function, failure to respond to treatment in <48h, and non-Escherichia coli infection.

Antenatal Hydronephrosis

Defined as a maximal transverse anteroposterior diameter (TAPD) of the renal pelvis of ≥7mm on antenatal USS.

Vesicoureteric Reflux (VUR)

Abnormal retrograde flow of urine from the bladder into the upper urinary tract.

Primary Reflux

Results from a congenital abnormality of the VUJ.

Secondary Reflux

Results from urinary tract dysfunction associated with elevated intravesical pressures.

Megaureter

Dilated ureter, usually larger than 7mm in diameter.

Ectopic Ureter

Ureteric bud that arises from an abnormal position on the mesonephric duct during embryological development.

Ureterocele

Cystic dilatation of the distal ureter as it drains into the bladder.

Pelviureteric Junction Obstruction (PUJO)

Blockage of the ureter at the junction with the renal pelvis.

Posterior Urethral Valves (PUV)

Abnormal congenital membrane arising from the verumontanum, leading to LUT obstruction.

Multicystic Dysplastic Kidney (MCDK)

Dysplastic and non-functioning kidney due to failure of induction of the metanephric blastema by the ureteric bud.

Hypospadias

Congenital deformity where the opening of the urethra is sited on the underside (ventral) part of the penis.

Disorders of Sex Development (DSD)

Congenital conditions in which the development of chromosomal, gonadal, or anatomical sex is atypical.

Exstrophy–epispadias complex

Describes a spectrum of rare congenital malformations affecting the abdominal wall, pelvis, genitourinary tract, and sometimes also the spine and anus.

Classic Bladder Exstrophy

Defective development of the anterior bladder and lower abdominal walls, resulting in the posterior bladder wall lying exposed on the abdomen.