Urinary System Anatomy Quiz

Study Notes

The urinary system consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
Urine is produced in the kidneys and flows through the ureters to the bladder, and finally exits the body through the urethra.
The urinary system's primary function is to remove toxins and waste products from the blood and the body.

Each kidney is bean-shaped and located in the lower back, toward the posterior aspect of the body.
The adrenal glands, part of the endocrine system, sit on top of the kidneys and release hormones such as aldosterone and cortisol.
Kidneys receive blood from the renal arteries, which branch from the aorta.
The right renal artery is longer than the left.
Renal veins drain blood from the kidneys and flow into the inferior vena cava.
The main functions of the kidneys are:
- Creating urine
- Maintaining the balance of water and electrolytes in the blood.
- Transporting urine to the ureters.
The functional unit of a kidney is the nephron, responsible for filtering blood to make urine.
Each nephron contains a glomerulus and various tubules with specific functions, allowing for the retention and secretion of specific ions and fluids.

The ureters are two tubes that connect each kidney to the bladder.
They are about 25 cm long in adults.
They are divided into abdominal and pelvic ureters based on their location.
The ureters transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
They have a one-way valve system within the pelvic ureter that prevents urine from flowing back into the kidneys.

The bladder is located in the pelvic cavity and stores urine temporarily.
Its shape can change depending on the amount of urine it holds, ranging from flat when empty to oval-shaped when full.
The bladder is divided into:
- Apex: connected to the umbilicus
- Body: the central part of the bladder
- Fundus or base: triangular in shape
- Neck: connects to the urethra
The muscular layer of the bladder contracts to transport urine to the urethra.

The urethra is the final conduit for urine before it exits the body.
It is about 4 cm long in females and 15-20 cm long in males.
In males, the urethra travels through the penis, contributing to its greater length.
In females, the urethra's primary function is to transport urine from the bladder to the outside.
In males, the urethra also serves to transport semen.

Although not part of the urinary system, the liver plays a crucial role in detoxification and waste removal.
It is the largest organ in the abdomen, located in the top right quadrant.
The liver has four distinct lobes.
Aside from breaking down waste products, the liver also contributes to:
- Creation of bile, stored in the gallbladder.
- Storage of glycogen.
- Production of proteins necessary for blood clotting.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common medical conditions that can affect the urinary system.
Other common conditions include:
- Urinary bladder infections
- Kidney stones
- Urinary incontinence