Anatomy and Physiology of the Urinary System

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key terms related to the anatomy and physiology of the urinary system, including its functions, common ailments, and treatments.

Kidney

Organ that filters waste out of the blood system.

Nephrons

The functional units of the kidney that perform the blood-filtering process and produce urine.

Cortex

The outer part of the kidney, containing filtering units.

Medulla

The inner part of the kidney, containing pyramids and calyxes that drain urine.

Renal Pelvis

Structure that collects urine before transporting it to the ureter.

Ureter

Tube that connects the kidneys to the bladder.

Renal Artery

Blood vessel that delivers blood to the kidney from the aorta.

Renal Vein

Blood vessel that returns filtered blood to the heart.

Homeostasis

The process of reabsorbing water and nutrients back into the bloodstream to maintain a stable internal environment.

Bladder

Sac-like organ that stores urine until it can be expelled.

Urethra

Tube-like structure that transports urine out of the body.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

A bacterial infection occurring anywhere in the urinary tract, commonly in the bladder.

Renal Failure

Also known as kidney failure; when the kidneys' ability to filter blood is diminished.

Kidney Stones

Hard pebbles formed from crystallized salts and minerals, obstructing the urinary tract.

Glomerulonephritis

Inflammation or damage to the tiny filters in the kidney known as glomeruli.

Acute Renal Failure

Sudden loss of kidney function due to causes like infection or shock.

Chronic Renal Failure

Gradual loss of kidney function over time that is often irreversible.

Dialysis

A medical procedure that removes waste products from the blood when kidneys are unable to do so.

Urinary Tract

The system that includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.

Nephrons

The functional units in kidneys that filter blood and produce urine.

Urinary Bladder Capacity

The bladder can hold approximately 2 cups of urine.

Sphincter Muscle

A muscle that helps keep urine in the bladder.

Kidney Function

Kidneys filter about 425 gallons of blood daily.

Signs of UTI

Symptoms include painful urination, cloudy urine, and frequent urination.

Infection Sources

UTIs can occur from bacteria entering through the urethra.

Kidney Stones Treatments

Options include pain medication, lithotripsy, laser treatment, or surgery.

Inflammation of Glomeruli

Causes include infections, certain drugs, and unknown reasons.

Symptoms of Glomerulonephritis

High blood pressure, foamy urine, and puffiness around the eyes.

Blood Filtration Rate

The ability of kidneys to filter blood, which can vary in efficiency.

Nephrons Count

There are approximately 1 million nephrons in each kidney.

Kidney Location

Kidneys are located on the back below the ribs.

Impulses from Bladder

Nerve endings send signals to the brain when the bladder is full.

Bladder Contraction

During urination, bladder walls contract, and sphincter muscles relax.

Diuresis

Increased production of urine.

Chronic Kidney Disease

A long-term condition where kidneys gradually lose function.

Toxic Waste Removal

Dialysis machines remove toxic waste from the body when kidneys fail.

Calcium in Kidney Stones

Kidney stones often contain crystallized calcium.

Fluid Intake

Drinking enough fluids can help prevent kidney stones.

Renal Secretion

Process by which kidneys remove additional wastes from the blood.

Infection Treatment

Antibiotics are commonly used to treat urinary tract infections.

Glomerular Function

Glomeruli filter blood to separate waste from essential nutrients.

Kidney Structure

Kidneys have two main regions: cortex and medulla.

Kidney Transplant

A surgical procedure that replaces a diseased kidney with a healthy one.

Acute vs Chronic Renal Failure

Acute renal failure is sudden and reversible, while chronic is gradual and irreversible.

Kidney Damage Causes

Diabetes and hypertension can lead to kidney damage.

Smooth Muscle Surrounding Bladder

The bladder is surrounded by smooth muscle for contraction.

Urinary System Components

The system is made up of kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.

Calcium Oxalate

A substance that can contribute to the formation of kidney stones.

Kidney Stone Size

Stones smaller than 6 mm may pass without intervention.

Lithotripsy

A procedure using shock waves to break apart kidney stones.

Surgical Removal of Stones

Occasionally necessary for larger kidney stones that cannot pass.

Renal Arteries Function

Transport blood to the kidneys for filtration.

Kidney Color

Kidneys appear dark red due to high blood supply.

Urine Composition

Urine is composed mainly of water, salts, and urea.

Bladder Communication

The bladder communicates fullness to the brain through nerve signals.

Urine Production Per Day

An average adult produces about 6 cups of urine daily.

Kidney Disease Symptoms

Symptoms may include swelling, fatigue, and changes in urination.

Urinary Obstruction Causes

Blockages can occur due to kidney stones or tumors.

Preventing UTIs

Proper hygiene can help reduce the risk of urinary infections.

Treatment of Glomerulonephritis

May include medications or monitoring, depending on severity.

Kidney Stone Types

Types include calcium stones, struvite stones, and uric acid stones.

Kidney Stones Dietary Factors

Excessive vitamin C or D intake can contribute to kidney stones.

Nephron Function

Nephrons filter blood and regulate water and electrolyte balance.

Impulses from Urinary Organs

Nerve impulses regulate urination and bladder function.

Urine Color Changes

Urine can change color due to hydration or health status.

Kidney Function Tests

Tests to assess how well kidneys are filtering blood.

Surgeon Role in Urology

Surgeons may perform procedures for kidney stones or renal failure.

Urinary System Overview

The urinary system plays a crucial role in waste elimination and fluid balance.