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.

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