Urinary System Flashcards

Flashcards to review the anatomy, function, and analysis of the urinary system based on lecture notes.

Urinary System Components

Major anatomical components of the urinary system: kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra.

Nephron

The functional unit of the kidney responsible for filtering blood and producing urine.

Renal Blood Flow

The path of blood flow through the kidney: renal artery → segmental arteries → interlobar arteries → arcuate arteries → cortical radiate arteries → afferent arterioles → glomerulus → efferent arterioles → peritubular capillaries → cortical radiate veins → interlobar veins → renal vein.

Ureter, Bladder, and Urethra Relationship

The ureters transport urine from the kidneys to the urinary bladder, which stores urine until it is excreted through the urethra.

Urinary Bladder Histology and Function

Transitional epithelium allows for expansion of the bladder, and the detrusor muscle enables forceful emptying.

Urinalysis (U/A)

A clinical tool for assessing overall patient health by analyzing urine composition.

Renal Hilum

The point where the renal artery and vein, and the ureter connect with the kidney.

Renal Artery

The vessel that branches from the abdominal aorta to supply blood to the kidneys.

Renal Vein

The vessel that returns filtered blood from the kidneys to the inferior vena cava.

Renal Cortex

The outer region of the kidney containing the renal corpuscles.

Renal Medulla

The inner region of the kidney containing the renal pyramids.

Trigone of the Urinary Bladder

The triangular area on the posterior wall of the bladder marked by the openings of the ureters and urethra.

Detrusor Muscle

The muscle in the bladder wall that contracts to expel urine.

Proximal Convoluted Tubule (PCT)

The first part of the renal tubule where most reabsorption occurs.

Loop of Henle

The part of the nephron that descends and ascends, playing a role in urine concentration.

Distal Convoluted Tubule (DCT)

The last part of the renal tubule where final adjustments to the filtrate are made.

Aquaporin

The channels in the descending segment of the Loop of Henle that allow water reabsorption

Blood or Protein in Urine

Indicates possible kidney damage if present in urine urinalysis.

High Glucose Values in Urine

May indicate glycemic issues, including diabetes, if present in urine urinalysis.

Specific Gravity (SG)

The measurement of the density of urine, which can indicate hydration status or certain pathologies.