Urinary System Overview

What process describes the movement of beneficial substances from the nephron back into the bloodstream?

Which artery directly branches from the renal artery?

The ureters transport urine from which organ to the bladder?

In males, the bladder is positioned anterior to which structure?

What is the name of the triangular area located on the internal surface of the bladder's fundus?

Which part of the bladder is considered the narrowest section?

What is the approximate total length of the male urethra?

Which part of the male urethra is encased by the prostate gland?

Which function is NOT a primary role of the urinary system?

Which of the following is the correct order of structures through which urine passes after leaving the nephron?

What is the hilum renale?

At what approximate level of the vertebral column is the hilum renale located?

What is the primary function of the nephron?

The renal medulla contains structures called renal pyramids. Which statement best describes their orientation?

The renal cortex comprises which portion of the renal mass?

What is the approximate rate of filtration in the kidneys?

Urinary System Overview

The urinary system is responsible for removing metabolic waste from the blood and eliminating it in urine.
It consists of the kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra.

Kidneys

Located in the posterior abdominal wall, on either side of the vertebral column.
The right kidney is at the level of T12-L3, and the left kidney is at T11-L2
The left kidney is usually slightly higher than the right.
The kidneys receive blood from the renal arteries and drain blood into the renal veins.

Ureters

Tubular structures that transport urine from the kidneys to the urinary bladder.
Approximately 25-30 cm long.
Pass through the linea terminalis to enter the pelvis minor and travel along the lateral wall of the pelvis before reaching the bladder.

Urinary Bladder

Reservoir for urine.
Located posterior to the symphysis pubis (in females, anterior to the uterus; in males, anterior to the rectum).
Holds approximately 220 mL of urine, but can hold up to 500 mL.

Urethra

Tube that carries urine from the bladder to the exterior of the body.
In males, it is longer (20 cm) and functions in both urinary and reproductive systems.
In females, shorter (3-5 cm), solely for urinary function.

Urinary System Functions

Filtration: Removal of waste products from blood.
Reabsorption: Return of essential substances to the blood.
Excretion: Elimination of waste products in urine.
Regulation of blood volume: Maintaining appropriate blood volume.
Regulation of blood pressure: Maintaining appropriate blood pressure.
Maintenance of acid-base balance: Maintaining appropriate blood pH.
Production of erythropoietin (stimulates red blood cell production).
Activation of vitamin D.

Components of the Nephron

Glomerulus: Filtering unit.
Proximal convoluted tubule: Reabsorption.
Loop of Henle: Reabsorption and concentration of urine.
Distal convoluted tubule: Reabsorption and secretion.
Collecting duct: Collection of urine and concentration.

Stages of Urine Formation

Filtration
Reabsorption
Secretion

This quiz explores the urinary system's components, including the kidneys, ureters, and urinary bladder. It covers their anatomical locations, functions, and relationships to each other. Test your understanding of how this system processes and eliminates waste from the body.