🧠

Understanding the Urinary System Anatomy

Apr 30, 2025

Anatomy of the Urinary System

Overview

  • The urinary system filters blood and creates urine as a waste by-product.
  • Key organs include kidneys, renal pelvis, ureters, bladder, and urethra.

Function of the Urinary System

  • Filters blood, removing waste and excess substances.
  • Maintains balance of chemicals like potassium and sodium, and water.
  • Urea, a waste product from protein breakdown, is removed by the kidneys.
  • Kidneys also regulate blood pressure and produce erythropoietin for red blood cell production.

Components of the Urinary System

Kidneys

  • Two purplish-brown organs located below the ribs toward the middle of the back.
  • Functions:
    • Remove waste products and drugs.
    • Balance body fluids.
    • Release hormones for blood pressure regulation.
    • Control red blood cell production.
  • Filter blood through nephrons, which consist of glomerulus and renal tubule.

Ureters

  • Narrow tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
  • Muscle contractions prevent urine backflow.

Bladder

  • A triangle-shaped hollow organ in the lower abdomen.
  • Stores urine, with a capacity of up to two cups for 2-5 hours.
  • Landmarks in the bladder include:
    • Trigone: near the junction of urethra and bladder.
    • Right and left lateral walls.
    • Posterior wall.
    • Dome.

Sphincter Muscles

  • Circular muscles that help keep urine from leaking.

Nerves in the Bladder

  • Alert when it's time to urinate.

Urethra

  • Tube allowing urine to exit the body, controlled by brain signals.

Facts About Urine

  • Healthy urine is pale straw or transparent yellow.
  • Darker urine may indicate dehydration or liver problems.
  • Pinkish or red urine may signal the presence of blood.

Related Information

  • Measles cases are rising; check with a doctor if symptoms are present.
  • Research at Johns Hopkins contributes to medical advancements.