Genital Urinary System Overview

Introduction

Focus on functions of the kidneys, kidney anatomy, and main study points for the TEAS body system.
Additional resources and materials are available on Kate's website and TEAS prep program.

Five Key Functions of the Kidneys:
1. Make urine from protein breakdown waste.
2. Filter blood of salt, nutrients, water, and waste.
3. Maintain water homeostasis.
4. Maintain blood pressure.
5. Activate vitamin D.

Three Regions of the Kidneys:
1. Cortex
  - Outer kidney layer with blood vessels and majority of nephrons.
  - Produces hormone for red blood cell production.
2. Medulla
  - Inner kidney layer containing nephrons.
  - Concentrates urine and involved in salt-water balance.
3. Renal Pelvis
  - Central collecting region where waste fluid drains into ureters.
Nephron: Functional Unit of the Kidney
- Composed of glomerulus, renal tubule, and collecting tubule.
- Glomerulus filters out blood cells using blood pressure.
- Convoluted loops reabsorb water and nutrients, filter waste from protein digestion.

Ureter: Duct leading from kidney to urinary bladder.
Urinary Bladder: Elastic, muscular sac storing urine, connected to the nervous system.
Urethra: Tube from urinary bladder to outside the body.

Kidneys work with cardiovascular system (filtering blood via renal artery/vein, releasing renin for blood pressure regulation).
Kidneys aid in red blood cell production and vitamin D activation with skins.
Urinary bladder connects to nervous system, signaling fullness.

Understanding kidney functions and anatomy, and their interactions with other systems is crucial.
Nephron as functional unit, urine production process, and the role of kidneys in maintaining homeostasis and blood pressure.

Comprehensive study points covered for TEAS science section on genital urinary system and kidney functions.
Additional resources and practice questions available for further study.