Urinary System: Key Structures and Functions

Urinary System - Key Structures and Functions

• Primary Functions:

  • Excretion: Removal of metabolic waste products from the body.
  • Elimination: Discharge of these wastes out of the body.

• Bladder Capacity:

  • The bladder can hold between one and one-half to two cups of urine, approximately 400-500 ml.
  • As the bladder fills, nerve signals are sent to the brain.

Urinary System - Objectives

• State the primary functions
• Identify the key structures
• Describe the process of urine formation
• List common urinary disorders

Urinary System - Structures

• Kidney:

  • Located in the abdominal cavity.
  • Bean-shaped organs.
  • Produce urine.
  • Contain nephrons (the smallest functional unit).

• Nephron:

  • The smallest functional unit of the kidney.
  • Located inside the kidney.
  • A micro-filtering unit.

• Ureter:

  • A tube.
  • Transports urine from the kidneys to the bladder.

• Bladder:

  • A muscular sac.
  • Temporarily stores urine prior to urination.

• Urethra:

  • A tube.
  • Transports urine from the bladder to the exterior of the body.

Urine Formation - Process

• Filtration:

  • Blood pressure forces water and solutes through the filters (in the nephrons).

• Reabsorption:

  • Removal of water and solutes from the filtrate.

• Secretion:

  • Preparing substances for excretion.

Common Urinary Disorders

• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI):

  • Infection of the urinary system.
  • Can affect any part of the urinary system.
  • Commonly caused by bacterial infections (e.g., E. coli).
  • Symptoms include: pain with urination, cloudy/foul-smelling urine, urinary incontinence, and frequent urination.

• Renal Failure (Kidney Failure):

  • When one or both kidneys stop functioning.
  • Can be temporary or chronic (worsening over time).
  • Common causes include diabetes, high blood pressure, and other chronic kidney diseases.
  • May not have symptoms in early stages. Chronic symptoms can include fatigue, confusion/concentration problems, swelling in hands/feet/face, increased urination frequency, and dry/itchy skin.

Test your knowledge of the urinary system, focusing on its primary functions, key structures, and urine formation processes. This quiz covers essential information about the kidneys, nephrons, ureters, and common urinary disorders.