Urinary System Anatomy

A collection of vocabulary terms and definitions related to the anatomy and functions of the urinary system.

Kidneys

Organs that filter blood to create urine.

Ureters

Tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.

Urinary Bladder

Storage reservoir for urine before it is excreted.

Urethra

The duct through which urine is discharged from the bladder.

Renal Cortex

The outer part of the kidney where filtration occurs.

Renal Medulla

The inner part of the kidney that contains the renal pyramids.

Nephron

The functional unit of the kidney, responsible for urine formation.

Glomerulus

A network of capillaries in the renal corpuscle where filtration begins.

Bowman's Capsule

A cup-like structure in the nephron that encases the glomerulus.

Filtration Rate

The volume of plasma filtered through the glomeruli per unit time.

Micturition

The process of discharging urine from the urinary bladder.

Detrusor Muscle

Smooth muscle of the bladder that contracts to expel urine.

Efferent Arteriole

The small artery that carries blood away from the glomerulus.

Afferent Arteriole

The small artery that carries blood toward the glomerulus.

Renal Pelvis

The funnel-shaped structure that collects urine from the kidneys.

Transitional Epithelium

Type of tissue found in the urinary bladder that allows for stretching.

Tubular Reabsorption

The process by which the nephron reclaims water and solutes from the filtrate.

Tubular Secretion

The process by which substances are added to the tubular fluid from the blood.

Urine Composition

Includes waste products, excess salts, and water.

Erythropoietin

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

Henle Loop

Part of the nephron that plays a critical role in concentrating urine.

Collecting Duct

Duct that collects urine from multiple nephrons and transports it to the renal pelvis.