Understanding the Urinary System and Fluid Balance

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards designed to aid in the understanding of the urinary system and fluid regulation within the body.

Ureters

The ducts that transfer urine from the kidneys to the urinary bladder.

Sequence of Urine Formation

The correct order is Kidney, Ureter, Bladder, Urethra.

Renal Pyramids

Located within the renal medulla of the kidney.

Minor Calyx

The first structure in the kidney to collect newly formed urine.

Glomerulus

The thick tangle of capillary loops found within a renal corpuscle.

Filtrate

The initial fluid formed during the process of urine formation.

Nephron Regions Order

The correct order is Capsular space of glomerulus, Proximal convoluted tubule, Nephron loop, Distal convoluted tubule, Collecting duct.

ANP (Atrial Natriuretic Peptide)

A hormone released from the heart that increases urine volume and decreases blood volume.

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

Stimulates reabsorption of calcium but inhibits phosphate reabsorption.

ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone)

Increased secretion leads to increased water reabsorption during dehydration.

Normal Urine pH

Ranges between 4.5 and 8.0.

Detrusor Muscle

The muscularis layer of the urinary bladder.

Micturition

Another name for urination; requires the opening of two sphincters.

Body Fluid Compartments

Two-thirds of total body fluid is within cells and one-third is outside.

Interstitial Fluid

Composes about two-thirds of the body's extracellular fluid.

Sensible Water Loss

Water lost through feces, considered obligatory.

Thirst Center Location

Located in the hypothalamus of the brain.

Most Abundant Cation in Cells

Potassium.

Compensation

An increase in pH brought back to normal physiological levels.

Respiratory Acidosis

The most common type of acid-base imbalance.

Renal Columns

Extensions of the renal cortex that project into the medulla.

Nephrons

More than a million functional units found in each kidney.

Trigone

The triangular area within the urinary bladder defined by ureter and urethra openings.

Micturition Reflex

The complex sequence of events that triggers urination.

Erythropoietin

Secreted by the kidneys in response to low blood oxygen.

Kidneys' Role in Blood Oxygen Levels

Secretes erythropoietin in response to low oxygen.

Urinary Bladder

Hollow organ that stores urine before elimination.