The Urinary System

Flashcards covering key concepts of the urinary system, including functions, structures, and disorders.

What are the primary functions of the urinary system?

Waste removal, homeostasis, secretion of erythropoietin, and urine formation.

What is the average daily urine output from the kidneys?

About 1.5 liters per day.

Name the major organs of the urinary system.

Two kidneys, two ureters, one urinary bladder, and one urethra.

What is the role of the ureters in the urinary system?

They conduct urine from the kidneys to the urinary bladder.

Describe the structure and function of the renal corpuscle.

It filters blood; consists of the glomerulus and glomerular capsule.

What is the role of the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT)?

Reabsorbs most nutrients, water, sodium, and chloride ions from the filtrate.

Where does filtration exclusively occur in the kidney?

In the renal corpuscle.

What hormone regulates water reabsorption in the kidneys?

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH).

What is urinary incontinence?

The inability to control urination, leading to involuntary leakage.

What is the main function of the collecting duct?

To carry urine from many nephrons and adjust its composition, particularly water reabsorption.

What happens to urine volume when ADH levels are high?

The volume of urine decreases as more water is reabsorbed.

What are the three processes involved in urine formation?

Filtration, reabsorption, and secretion.

What is the significance of the juxtaglomerular complex?

It regulates the glomerular filtration rate and blood pressure.

What is hemodyalisis?

A process that uses an artificial dialysis membrane to filter blood for patients with renal failure.

What triggers the sensation of bladder fullness?

Stimulation of stretch receptors in the bladder wall.

What is the main difference between acute and chronic renal failure?

Acute renal failure occurs rapidly and may be reversible; chronic renal failure deteriorates gradually and is often irreversible.