Structures of the Urinary System: Kidneys Overview

Study Notes

Urinary System Structure and Function

The internal sphincter in the urinary bladder regulates the flow of urine from the bladder into the urethra.
The kidneys are located in the retroperitoneal space, between the 12th thoracic and 3rd lumbar vertebrae.
The main function of the ureters is to transport urine from the kidneys to the urinary bladder.
The primary component of the urinary bladder is smooth muscle.
The basic urine-producing units in each kidney are called nephrons.
In males, the urethra is surrounded by the prostate.
The internal sphincter in the urinary bladder is a ring-like muscle that helps to control the flow of urine.
The urinary bladder is approximately 10 cm long, 5.5 cm wide, and 3 cm in depth.
The main function of the formation of urine in the urinary system is to remove waste and excess substances from the body.
Proteins can be released in the urine due to a condition called proteinuria.
The main function of urea in the urinary system is to remove excess nitrogen from the body.
Pyelonephritis, a disease of the urinary system, may occur mostly in pregnant women and presents symptoms such as fever, chills, and back pain.
Nephrons in the urinary system are the functional units responsible for filtering waste and excess substances from the blood.
Uric acid is a product of the breakdown of purines in the urinary system.
Dehydration, which can cause kidney stones, may be caused by a decrease in urine volume.

Description

This quiz covers the structures of the urinary system, focusing on the location, size, and composition of the kidneys. It discusses the protective surroundings and the internal regions of the kidneys.