Urinary System Anatomy

What is the primary function of the urinary system?

Which of the following is NOT a function of the kidneys?

What is the basic structural and functional unit of the kidney?

Where are the kidneys located in the body?

What is the role of the ureters in the urinary system?

What is the function of the bladder?

What is the approximate length of the ureters in adults?

What is the pathway of blood flow to and from the kidney?

What is produced by the kidneys besides urine?

What is the inner region of the kidney?

Urinary System

Consists of two kidneys, two ureters, the bladder, and the urethra
Functions: elimination of wastes, maintenance of fluid-electrolyte and acid-base balances, production of erythropoietin and enzymes

Kidneys

Located on either side of the vertebral column, between the 12th thoracic and 3rd lumbar vertebrae
Right kidney is positioned slightly lower than the left due to the liver
Internal structures: renal cortex (outer region), renal medulla (middle region), and renal pelvis (inner region)
Functions:
- Regulating blood ionic composition
- Regulating blood pH
- Regulating blood volume
- Regulating blood pressure
- Regulating blood glucose
- Excreting wastes

Blood Supply

Blood enters the kidney from the renal artery
Returns to inferior vena cava through the renal vein

Ureters

Fibromuscular tubes, approximately 25-30 cm long in adults
Functions: act as ducts, allowing urine to pass from the kidneys to the bladder

Bladder

Hollow, sphere-shaped, muscular organ in the pelvis
Located anterior and inferior to the pelvic cavity, and posterior to the symphysis pubis
Function: stores urine

Learn about the structures and functions of the urinary system, including waste elimination, fluid balance, and hormone production. Quiz covers the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.