Anatomy of the Urinary System

Introduction:

What is the urinary system? The urinary system is a series of organs that work together to filter waste products and excess fluids from the blood and eliminate them from the body in the form of urine. It consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. This organ system plays a vital role in maintaining your electrolyte balance.

Kidneys

The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs located on either side of the spine in the lower back. They are responsible for filtering waste products and excess fluids from the blood and regulating the body’s electrolyte balance. The kidneys also produce hormones that help to regulate blood pressure and red blood cell production.

Ureters

The ureters are tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. They are muscular tubes that use peristalsis to move the urine along.

Bladder

The bladder is a muscular sac located in the pelvis that stores urine until it is eliminated from the body. It expands as it fills with urine and contracts to empty the urine through the urethra.

Urethra

The urethra is a tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. In males, the urethra also carries semen during ejaculation.

Urination

Micturition, or urination, is the process by which the urinary system eliminates urine from the body. When the bladder becomes full, the brain sends a signal to the bladder muscles to contract and release the urine through the urethra. This is a sensation that can be felt, and is what needs to be taught to toddlers when they are being potty trained. 

Urinary System Disorders

Urinary system disorders: Several disorders can affect the urinary system, including kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and bladder control problems. 

• Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals that form in the kidneys and can cause pain and block urine flow. 
• Urinary tract infections are infections of the urinary system that can cause pain, burning, and frequent urination urges. 
• Bladder control problems, such as incontinence, can be caused by various factors, including muscle weakness, nerve damage, and certain medications.

Summary

The urinary system is very important, and when things do not go right it can be incredibly uncomfortable or dangerous, depending on what happens. While there is not a shortage of resources or guides to these things all over the internet, the list above is very concise and to the point over the main idea for this system. If you’re interested in additional resources, we have a brief study guide for all the main systems available for free, with even more available if you subscribe and create a paid account today.