Organs and Anatomic Structures of the Respiratory System Flashcards
Kidney
One of two bean shaped organs located on each side of the vertebral column on the posterior wall of the abdominal cavity covered anteriorly by the parietal peritoneum.
What is the function of the kidney?
Their function is to remove waste products from the blood and to aid in maintaining water and electrolyte balances
What is a nephron?
urine producing microscopic structure. Approximately 1 million nephrons are located in each kidney
What is a glomerulus?
Cluster of capillaries at the entrance of the nephron. The process of filtering the blood, thereby forming urine, begins here.
What is the renal pelvis?
Funnel-shaped reservoir in the kidney that collects urine and passes it to the ureter
What is the hilum?
Indentation on the medial side of the kidney where the renal artery, vein, and pelvis are located and the ureter leaves the kidney
What are ureters?
Two slender tubes, approximately 10-13 inches long, that receive the urine from the kidneys and carry it to the posterior portion of the bladder
What is the urinary bladder?
Muscular, hollow organ that temporarily holds the urine. As it fills, the thick, muscular wall becomes thinner, and the organ increases in size.
What is the urethra?
Lowest part of the urinary tract, through which the urine passes from the urinary bladder to the outside of the body. This narrow tube varies in length depending on sex.
How long is the urethra in females?
Approximately 1.5 inches
How long is the urethra in males?
Approximately 8 inches. It is also apart of the males reproductive system since it carries seminal fluid.
What is the urinary meatus?
Opening through which the urine passes to the outside
