Urinary System Review

A series of flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to the urinary system.

Ureter

The muscular tube that transports urine from the renal pelvis to the urinary bladder.

Nephron

The microscopic, functional unit of the kidney, consisting of renal corpuscle and renal tubule.

Glomerular filtration

The movement of substances from the blood within the glomerulus into the capsular space.

Tubular reabsorption

The movement of substances from tubular fluid back into the blood.

Tubular secretion

The movement of substances from blood into the tubular fluid.

Trigone

The triangular region of the bladder outlined by the openings of the ureters and urethra.

Renal corpuscle

The part of the nephron that includes the glomerulus and Bowman's capsule.

Aldosterone

A hormone that increases sodium reabsorption in the kidneys.

ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone)

A hormone that regulates water reabsorption in the kidneys.

Micturition

The act of urination, regulated by the autonomic nervous system.

UTI (Urinary Tract Infection)

An infection in any part of the urinary system, commonly occurring in the bladder.

Peristalsis

The wave-like muscle contractions that move urine through the ureters.

EPO (Erythropoietin)

A hormone produced by the kidneys that stimulates red blood cell production.

Renal pelvis

The central collecting region in the kidney where urine collects before it enters the ureter.

Detrusor muscle

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

Urethra

The tube that carries urine from the bladder to the external environment.

Renal vein

The blood vessel that carries blood away from the kidneys.

Renal artery

The blood vessel that supplies blood to the kidneys.

Glomerulus

A network of capillaries in the renal corpuscle where blood filtration occurs.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of stable internal conditions in the body, including fluid and electrolyte balance.

GFR (Glomerular Filtration Rate)

The rate at which blood is filtered in the kidneys, an indicator of kidney function.

Urinary bladder

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

Principal cells

Cells in the kidney tubules that respond to hormones to regulate sodium and water reabsorption.

Intercalated cells

Cells in the kidney tubules that play a role in pH regulation.