Urinary System Anatomy

10 Questions

What is the primary function of the urinary system?

To remove wastes from the body

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

Aiding in digestion

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

Nephron

Where are the kidneys located in the body?

On either side of the spine, between the 12th thoracic and 3rd lumbar vertebrae

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

To act as ducts for urine to pass from the kidneys to the bladder

What is the function of the bladder?

To store urine

What is the approximate length of the ureters in adults?

25 to 30 cm

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

Renal artery to inferior vena cava to renal vein

What is produced by the kidneys besides urine?

Hormones and enzymes

What is the inner region of the kidney?

Renal pelvis

Study Notes

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