Urinary System Flashcards
(15 cards)
The Urinary system maintains…
pH, volume of body fluids, and the kidneys filter and remove metabolic waste, excess minerals, and toxins
The urinary system plays a crucial role in homeostasis by regulating body fluid composition and removing waste products.
What portion of the abdominal cavity are the kidneys in?
Retroperitoneal
The retroperitoneal space is the area behind the peritoneum, which houses the kidneys and other structures.
What is the nephron involved in?
filtration, reabsorption, secretion, and excretion
Nephrons are the functional units of the kidneys, essential for urine formation.
What is filtration?
movement of substances from blood
Filtration occurs in the glomerulus, where blood plasma is filtered into the nephron.
What is reabsorption?
movement back into the blood
Reabsorption primarily takes place in the renal tubules after filtration.
What is secretion?
removing select blood molecules through isolation
Secretion allows for the elimination of specific substances from the blood into the urine.
What is excretion?
Sending the molecules to the bladder
Excretion is the final step in urine formation, where waste is expelled from the body.
How much blood do kidneys filter a day?
1700 liters
This significant volume indicates the kidneys’ vital role in maintaining fluid balance.
What is the difference between renal capsule and renal tubules?
Capsule has glomerulus and Bowman’s capsule, tubules have Bowman’s capsule to collection ducts
The renal capsule is involved in initial filtration, while renal tubules are responsible for further processing of filtrate.
What are the steps of glomerulus filtration?
1: arterial blood enters at glomerular capillaries, 2: large volume of water, ions, and sugar are filtered out of the blood
This process is critical for forming the filtrate that will become urine.
Where does reabsorption occur?
The loop of Henle: comprised of 2 loops descending and ascending which become permeable to water and solutes
The loop of Henle plays a key role in concentrating urine and conserving water.
How does reabsorption connect to secretion/excretion?
What isn’t reabsorbed is secreted into urine
This relationship ensures that essential substances are retained while waste is eliminated.
How much urine can the bladder hold?
500 milliliters
The bladder’s capacity can vary, but 500 milliliters is a typical volume for adults.
What is urine composed of?
urea, chloride, sodium and organic/inorganic substances
Urine composition reflects metabolic processes and waste elimination.
What is different for females in urination?
females have a shorter urethra than males
This anatomical difference influences urinary function and susceptibility to certain urinary tract conditions.
