Urinary Tract System Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is urology?

Study of reproductive system

Study of blood

Study of the kidney

Study of the urinary system (correct)

What does nephrology study?

The kidney

What does the urinary system consist of?

2 kidneys, 2 ureters, 1 urinary bladder, and 1 urethra

What is urine?

Fluid produced by the kidneys Signup and view all the answers

What are antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and aldosterone responsible for?

Regulating urine volume Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the kidneys?

Excretion of waste materials from the bloodstream Signup and view all the answers

What is the hilus of the kidney?

Indented area where blood vessels, nerves, and ureters enter and exit Signup and view all the answers

What does the renal cortex refer to?

Outer portion of the kidneys Signup and view all the answers

What is the renal medulla?

Inner portion of the kidneys Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the renal pelvis?

Urine collection chamber within the kidneys Signup and view all the answers

What are nephrons?

Basic functional unit of the kidneys Signup and view all the answers

What is the renal corpuscle?

First part of a nephron located in the cortex of the kidney Signup and view all the answers

What is the glomerulus?

'Tuft' of capillaries where exchange of materials occurs Signup and view all the answers

What is glomerular filtrate?

Fluid that is filtered out of the blood Signup and view all the answers

What is Bowman's capsule?

Capsule that surrounds the glomerulus Signup and view all the answers

What is the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT)?

First part of the tubular portion of a nephron Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the loop of Henle?

Filter sodium to maintain correct balance of water Signup and view all the answers

What does the distal convoluted tubule (DCT) do?

Secretion takes place here Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of collecting tubules (ducts)?

Collect tubular filtrate and carry it to the renal pelvis Signup and view all the answers

What are ureters?

Tubes that connect the kidneys to the urinary bladder Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the urinary bladder?

Collect, store, and release urine Signup and view all the answers

What is the urethra?

Tube that carries urine from the bladder for elimination Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between male and female urinary function?

Female has only urinary function; male has both urinary and reproductive function. Signup and view all the answers

What is diuresis?

Increased urination Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Study of the Urinary Tract System

Urology: The branch of medicine focused on the urinary system.
Nephrology: The specialty dedicated to the study of the kidney.

Components of the Urinary System

Urinary System Structure: Comprises 2 kidneys, 2 ureters, 1 urinary bladder, and 1 urethra.
Primary Function: Main route for waste removal; eliminates nearly all soluble waste products from blood and excess water.

Urine and Hormonal Regulation

Urine: Fluid produced by the kidneys to eliminate metabolic waste; maintains water and mineral balance.
ADH and Aldosterone: Hormones that regulate urine volume; enhance water reabsorption, resulting in reduced urine output.

Kidneys

Kidney Functions: Key organs for waste excretion; filter blood every 4-5 minutes while maintaining homeostasis.
Balancing Electrolytes: Must filter water and electrolytes to match intake; imbalance can lead to fatal blood concentration levels.

Key Kidney Structures

Hilus: Indented area where blood vessels, nerves, and ureters enter/exit the kidney.
Renal Cortex: The outer layer of the kidney.
Renal Medulla: The inner area surrounding the renal pelvis.
Renal Pelvis: Chamber for urine collection; transitions into ureters.

Nephrons

Nephrons: The functional unit of the kidneys, located between the renal cortex and medulla.
Functions: Filter, reabsorb, and secrete substances; renal artery supplies blood while renal vein carries filtered blood away.

Filtration and Urine Formation

Renal Corpuscle: Initial nephron component in the cortex; responsible for blood filtration.
Glomerulus: A tuft of capillaries where plasma filtration occurs due to high blood pressure.
Glomerular Filtrate: Fluid containing waste and essential elements; filtration rate decreases with low blood pressure.
Bowman's Capsule: Encases the glomerulus, serving as a plasma filter.

Tubular System of Nephrons

Proximal Convoluted Tubule (PCT): Site of extensive reabsorption.
Loop of Henle: Middle segment filtering sodium for water balance.
Distal Convoluted Tubule (DCT): Last nephron segment before the collecting duct; involved in secretion and further regulation of water and sodium based on hormonal influence.
Collecting Tubules/Ducts: Final tubular component; gathers filtrate for urine concentration and plays a role in potassium regulation and acid-base balance.

Urinary Tract Components

Ureters: Tubes that transport urine from kidneys to the bladder via smooth muscle peristalsis.
Urinary Bladder: Smooth muscle sac for urine collection, storage, and release.
Urethra: Tube facilitating urine elimination outside the body.

Gender Differences in Urinary Function

Female Urethra: Serves only urinary functions.
Male Urethra: Functions in both urinary and reproductive systems.

Diuresis

Diuresis: The increased production of urine, often related to certain conditions or substances.

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Description

Test your knowledge of the urinary system with these flashcards. Each card presents a key term related to urology and nephrology, along with its definition. Perfect for students and healthcare professionals looking to enhance their understanding of the urinary tract.