Introduction to the Urinary System

Introduction to the Urinary System

• Excretion is the bodily process of removing waste products produced by cells.

Parts & Function of the Urinary System

• Kidneys: Bean-shaped organs located in the lower back; filter blood approximately 300 times a day, removing waste and keeping useful substances.
• Each kidney has a cortex (outer layer) and a medulla (inner layer). Thousands of filters called nephrons are within the kidneys to purify blood and remove waste. Filtered blood is then pumped through the renal vein to various parts of the body.
• Ureters: Tubes that carry urine from each kidney to the bladder. Smooth muscles in the ureters use peristalsis to move urine.
• Bladder: A hollow muscular organ that temporarily stores urine. During infancy and early childhood, urine release from the bladder is involuntary or automatic. Muscular contractions of the bladder force the urine out of the body.
• Urethra: Tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. The female urethra is approximately 4 cm long, while the male urethra is 9 cm long. The urethra has a sphincter muscle that acts as a valve to control the release of urine.

Common Diseases of the Urinary System

• Uremia: Accumulation of waste products in the body, poisoning the body. Symptoms include fatigue, fever, chills, and slowed brain activity potentially leading to coma.
• Nephritis: Inflammation of the kidneys, acute or chronic. Often caused by strep throat, skin infections, and ear infections. Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, and swelling in the face, around the eyes or ankles.
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Improper hygiene practices in females can lead to bacteria entering the urinary tract. Symptoms include frequent urination in small amounts, pain when urinating, bloodstained urine, cloudy urine, and foul smelling urine. Pain is also experienced in the lower abdomen and lower back.
• Kidney Stones: Calcium compounds and waste products form stones in the kidneys (2-3 millimeters in size). These stones can cause blockage in the ureters, resulting in backup of the urine in the kidneys.

Caring for the Urinary System

• Drink eight to ten glasses of water and juice daily to aid in waste removal through perspiration and urination.
• Have a balanced diet that avoids excess salt to prevent kidney stress.
• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
• Exercise regularly and avoid holding back urination.
• Get enough sleep and rest.
• Practice good hygiene.
• Have regular medical check-ups.

Importance of Water

• Water is needed to replenish lost fluids during urination.
• It lubricates bones, regulates body temperature, and nourishes the brain and spinal cord.

Quiz Questions (A)

• Drink lots of water every day.
• Exercise regularly.
• Avoid salty foods.
• Do not hold pee.
• Always use clean underwear.

Quiz Questions (C)

• Kidneys remove most waste in the body.
• Urination removes most liquid wastes.
• Kidneys are NOT temporary storage organs.
• The urinary system eliminates waste mostly in liquid form.
• Feces are NOT filtered and excreted by the urinary system .

Explore the essential components of the urinary system in this quiz. Learn about the functions of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, and understand how the body processes and removes waste. Test your knowledge on the roles these organs play in maintaining bodily health.