Structures of the Urinary System: Kidneys Overview

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.