Urinary System Flashcards
(14 cards)
What are the organs of the urinary system and a primary function of each?
Kidneys: Filter blood to produce urine and maintain homeostasis.
• Ureters: Transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
• Urinary Bladder: Stores urine until elimination.
• Urethra: Excretes urine from the bladder out of the body.
Describe the location and structural features of the kidneys.
Located retroperitoneally on either side of the spine, between T12 and L3 vertebrae. Each kidney has an outer cortex, inner medulla, renal pyramids, renal pelvis, and is surrounded by a fibrous capsule for protection.
Describe the location and structural features of the kidneys.
Located retroperitoneally on either side of the spine, between T12 and L3 vertebrae. Each kidney has an outer cortex, inner medulla, renal pyramids, renal pelvis, and is surrounded by a fibrous capsule for protection.
What is the difference between cortical and juxtamedullary nephrons?
Cortical Nephrons: Located mostly in the cortex; shorter loops of Henle; involved in general filtration and reabsorption.
• Juxtamedullary Nephrons: Extend deeper into the medulla; longer loops of Henle; essential for concentrating urine.
Describe the segments of the nephron and their general functions.
Renal Corpuscle: Filtration of blood.
• Proximal Convoluted Tubule (PCT): Reabsorption of nutrients, ions, and water.
• Loop of Henle: Concentrates urine by reabsorbing water and ions.
• Distal Convoluted Tubule (DCT): Further reabsorption and secretion; regulated by hormones.
• Collecting Duct: Final adjustments in water reabsorption and pH balance; urine concentration.
Q: How do the kidneys maintain homeostasis and produce urine?
The kidneys filter blood, reabsorb needed substances, secrete waste, and regulate electrolytes, fluid balance, and blood pH, producing urine to eliminate waste.
Q: How do the kidneys maintain homeostasis and produce urine?
The kidneys filter blood, reabsorb needed substances, secrete waste, and regulate electrolytes, fluid balance, and blood pH, producing urine to eliminate waste.
reabsorption
Reabsorption: In the PCT, Loop of Henle, DCT, and collecting duct; water, ions, and nutrients are reabsorbed back into the blood.
secretion
Secretion: Additional waste products and ions are added to the filtrate in the DCT and collecting duct.
What is the role of the peritubular capillaries?
Surround the nephron; they allow for the reabsorption of water, nutrients, and ions back into the bloodstream and facilitate secretion from blood to filtrate.
Describe the structure and function of the ureters
Ureters: Muscular tubes that propel urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
Describe the structure and function of the urinary bladder
Urinary Bladder: Muscular sac that stores urine until elimination.
Describe the structure and function of the urethra.
Urethra: Tube that expels urine from the bladder to outside the body.
What organs are responsible for the transport, storage, and elimination of urine?
Transport: Ureters.
Storage: Urinary Bladder.
Elimination: Urethra.
