Urinary Flashcards
(20 cards)
What are the main functions of the urinary system?
Removes waste, balances water/salts, makes hormones (renin, erythropoietin)
Where are the kidneys located?
Back, near T12–L3 vertebrae, right is lower
What protects the kidneys?
Fat and a fibrous capsule
Name the 3 main kidney regions.
Cortex, medulla, pelvis
What is the functional unit of the kidney?
The nephron
Name the 3 nephron processes.
Filtration, reabsorption, secretion
What is the role of the glomerulus?
Filters blood to form filtrate
What does reabsorption do?
Returns water, glucose, salts to the blood
What substances are secreted into the tubules?
H+, K+, drugs, some wastes
What does ADH control?
Water reabsorption in the kidneys
What does aldosterone control?
Sodium reabsorption
What is the hormone that increases blood pressure?
Renin (starts the renin-angiotensin system)
What is erythropoietin (EPO)?
A hormone that stimulates red blood cell production
What is the normal urine output per day?
1 to 2 liters
What is normally NOT found in urine?
Glucose, protein, blood, WBCs
What is the bladder’s role?
Stores urine until ready to void
What controls voluntary urination?
The external urethral sphincter (skeletal muscle)
What triggers the urge to urinate?
Stretch receptors in the bladder
Why are UTIs more common in women?
Shorter urethra allows bacteria to enter easier
What are 2 common urinary system issues as we age?
Incontinence, retention (especially in men due to prostate)
