Urinary System Lecture Notes

Flashcards covering key concepts and terminology related to the urinary system and its functions.

Renal Cortex

The outer part of the kidney that contains glomeruli and nephron capsules.

Urinary Bladder

A hollow, distensible muscular organ that stores urine with a capacity of 700-800 mL.

Nephron

The functional unit of the kidney responsible for filtering blood and forming urine.

Glomerular Filtration

The process of filtering blood plasma and dissolved substances into the glomerular capsule.

Tubular Reabsorption

The process where water and useful substances are reabsorbed from the nephron back into the blood.

Tubular Secretion

The process where wastes, drugs, and excess ions are secreted from the blood into the nephron.

Erythropoietin (EPO)

A hormone released by the kidneys that stimulates the production of red blood cells.

Major Calyx

A cavity that collects urine from the minor calyx and carries it to the renal pelvis.

Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)

The rate at which blood is filtered through the glomeruli of the kidneys.

Urine Composition

Made up of approximately 95% water and 5% electrolytes, urea, and other solutes.