Unit G: Urinary System

Excretory System

Also known as the urinary system, it performs the main function of expelling urine from the body.

Kidney

The most important organ of the excretory system, responsible for filtering blood and producing urine.

Glomerulus

A network of capillaries in the kidney that filters blood to form urine.

Nephron

The microscopic functional unit of the kidney, responsible for filtering and processing urine.

Renal Pelvis

The innermost layer of the kidney that collects urine before it moves to the ureters.

Cystitis

An inflammation of the mucous membrane lining of the urinary bladder, often caused by E. coli.

Acute Renal Failure

A sudden loss of kidney function due to various causes, resulting in limited urine production.

Chronic Renal Failure

A gradual loss of kidney functions over time, requiring treatments such as dialysis.

Dialysis

A medical procedure that removes waste from the blood when the kidneys can no longer do so effectively.

Urinalysis

An examination of urine to assess health conditions, characterized by things like color and presence of particles.

Renin

An enzyme released by the kidneys that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance by promoting aldosterone secretion.

ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone)

Hormone produced in the hypothalamus that controls water absorption in the kidneys.

Homeostasis

The body's ability to maintain stable internal conditions, including fluid and electrolyte balance.

Formation of Urine

The process involving filtration, reabsorption, and secretion to produce urine.

Urethra

The tube that connects the urinary bladder to the outside of the body for urine excretion.

Urinary Bladder

A hollow muscular organ that stores urine before it is excreted.

Hematuria

The presence of blood in urine, which can indicate various medical conditions.

Incontinence

The lack of voluntary control over urination.

Enuresis

Involuntary urination, commonly referred to as bedwetting.