Essential of Human Anatomy & Physiology: The Urinary System

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary terms and definitions related to the urinary system, as discussed in the lecture notes.

Urinary System

A system that eliminates waste products from the body, regulates blood volume and blood pressure, and maintains electrolyte balance.

Renin

An enzyme produced by the kidneys that regulates blood pressure.

Erythropoietin

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

Filtration

The process by which water and solutes smaller than proteins are forced through capillary walls into the renal tubule.

Nephron

The structural and functional unit of the kidneys, consisting of the renal corpuscle and renal tubule.

Glomerulus

A network of capillaries that filters blood in the kidney.

Renal Cortex

The outer region of the kidney that contains the renal corpuscles and most of the nephrons.

Renal Medulla

The inner region of the kidney consisting of renal pyramids and renal columns.

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

A hormone that promotes water reabsorption in the kidneys and decreases urine output.

Aldosterone

A hormone that regulates sodium reabsorption and potassium secretion in the kidneys.

Tubular Reabsorption

The process in which the renal tubule cells reabsorb useful substances from filtrate back into the blood.

Tubular Secretion

The process where substances from the blood are secreted into the renal tubules.

Filtrate

Fluid that enters the renal tubule after being filtered from the blood at the glomerulus.

Micturition

The process of voiding or emptying the urinary bladder.

Detrusor Muscle

The smooth muscle layer of the urinary bladder that contracts to release urine.

Trigone

A triangular region at the base of the urinary bladder formed by the openings of the ureters and urethra.

Urinalysis

The examination of urine to assess its physical and chemical properties.

Hematuria

The presence of blood in urine, which may indicate kidney disease or urinary tract infection.

Urinary bladder

A muscular sac that stores urine temporarily before it is expelled from the body.

Urethra

A thin-walled tube that carries urine from the urinary bladder to the outside of the body.

Acidosis

A condition in which blood pH falls below 7.35, indicating acidity.

Alkalosis

A condition in which blood pH rises above 7.45, indicating alkalinity.

Filtration pressure

The pressure gradient that drives fluid from the blood into the glomerular capillaries.

Diuresis

Increased urine production, usually in response to high fluid intake or diuretic medication.

Polycystic Kidney Disease

A genetic disorder characterized by the development of numerous cysts in the kidneys.