Anatomy and Physiology - Urinary System

Questions and Answers

Describe the location of the kidneys.

The kidneys lie against the posterior abdominal wall at the level of vertebrae T12 to L3. The right kidney is slightly lower than the left because of the space occupied by the large right lobe of the liver. Rib 12 crosses the approximate middle of the left kidney. The kidneys are retroperitoneal, along with ureters, urinary bladder, renal artery and vein, and adrenal glands.

List the organs of the urinary system.

The urinary system consists of six organs: two kidneys, two ureters, the urinary bladder, and the urethra.

Describe the location of the ureters.

The ureters are retroperitoneal muscular tubes that extend to the urinary bladder. They pass posterior to the bladder and enter it from below; a small flap of mucosa acts as a valve at the opening into the bladder.

Describe the location of the urinary bladder.

<p>The urinary bladder is a muscular sac on the floor of the pelvic cavity, inferior to the peritoneum and posterior to the pubic symphysis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the location of the urethra.

<p>In women, the urethra is a tube 3 to 4 cm long, bound to the anterior wall of the vagina by fibrous connective tissue, with the external urethral orifice between the vaginal orifice and clitoris. In men, it is about 18 cm long and has three regions: prostatic urethra, membranous urethra, and spongy (penile) urethra.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Kidneys

Located against the posterior abdominal wall, spanning vertebrae T12 to L3.
Right kidney is lower than the left due to the liver's large right lobe.
Rib 12 crosses the middle of the left kidney.
Kidneys are retroperitoneal, situated alongside ureters, urinary bladder, renal arteries and veins, and adrenal glands.

Urinary System Organs

Consists of six main organs: two kidneys, two ureters, the urinary bladder, and the urethra.

Ureters

Retroperitoneal muscular tubes leading from kidneys to the urinary bladder.
Enter the bladder posteriorly from below, featuring a mucosal flap that functions as a valve.

Urinary Bladder

A muscular sac located at the pelvic cavity's floor.
Positioned inferior to the peritoneum and posterior to the pubic symphysis.

Urethra

In women: 3 to 4 cm long, attached to the anterior wall of the vagina by connective tissue, with the external urethral orifice located between the vaginal orifice and clitoris.
In men: approximately 18 cm long, divided into three regions:
- Prostatic urethra: Begins at the bladder, passes through the prostate gland (2.5 cm), and receives semen during orgasm.
- Membranous urethra: Short (0.5 cm) section that passes through the pelvic floor's muscle.
- Spongy (penile) urethra: About 15 cm long, traverses the penis to the external opening, associated with the corpus spongiosum.

Description

Test your knowledge of the urinary system with these flashcards focusing on the anatomy and functions of the kidneys. This quiz covers key details about the location of the kidneys and their relationships with surrounding organs. Perfect for students of anatomy and physiology!