The Urinary System: Urinary Anatomy

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to the urinary system anatomy and functions.

Kidney

An organ that filters blood plasma and eliminates waste.

Ureter

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

Urinary Bladder

A muscular sac that stores urine until it is expelled from the body.

Urethra

The tube through which urine is discharged from the bladder.

Renal Fascia

A connective tissue layer that binds the kidneys to the posterior body wall.

Perirenal Fat Capsule

A layer of fat that cushions the kidneys and holds them in place.

Fibrous Capsule

A protective layer that encloses the kidneys.

Renal Parenchyma

Tissue that forms urine in the kidneys.

Renal Sinus

The cavity within the kidney that contains blood vessels, nerves, and urine-collecting structures.

Glomerulus

A network of capillaries that filters blood plasma in the renal corpuscle.

Proximal Convoluted Tubule (PCT)

The part of the nephron that is longest, with prominent microvilli for absorption.

Distal Convoluted Tubule (DCT)

The part of the nephron that is shorter and less coiled than the PCT and has no microvilli.

Collecting Duct

A tube that receives fluid from multiple nephrons and conveys it into the renal pelvis.

Juxtamedullary Nephrons

Nephrons with long loops that extend into the medulla, contributing to the concentration of urine.

Cortical Nephrons

Nephrons that are located primarily in the cortex and have short loops.

Detrusor Muscle

The smooth muscle layer of the urinary bladder that contracts to expel urine.

Rugae

Folds in the mucosa of the bladder that allow for expansion.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

An infection in the urinary system, often caused by E. coli, leading to symptoms like frequent and painful urination.