The Urinary System Maintenance Systems Unit 5

Basic Functions of the Urinary System Regulates the composition and volume of the blood by removing and restoring selected amounts of water and solutes.Regulates the composition and volume of the blood by removing and restoring selected amounts of water and solutes. Eliminates water, nitrogenous wastes from the breakdown of protein, inorganic salts, and assists in eliminating heat and carbon dioxide.Eliminates water, nitrogenous wastes from the breakdown of protein, inorganic salts, and assists in eliminating heat and carbon dioxide.

The Organs of the Urinary System Kidneys (2)Kidneys (2) Ureters (2)Ureters (2) BladderBladder UrethraUrethra

Kidneys The kidneys are paired organs found laterally to the spinal canal, inferior to the ribs.The kidneys are paired organs found laterally to the spinal canal, inferior to the ribs. Their main function is to produce urineTheir main function is to produce urine Urine is made in the nephrons.Urine is made in the nephrons.

The Nephrons The Nephrons are the functional part of the kidney. (Where urine is made!)The Nephrons are the functional part of the kidney. (Where urine is made!) There are approximately million nephrons in each kidney.There are approximately million nephrons in each kidney. The kidneys filter out 180 liters of filtrate daily, but actually produce only 1 to 1.5 liters of urine.The kidneys filter out 180 liters of filtrate daily, but actually produce only 1 to 1.5 liters of urine.

Urine Color Chart

Urine Urine is made up of:Urine is made up of: –Water, urea, vitamins, and electrolytes Things that should not be in urine:Things that should not be in urine: –Glucose, proteins, red blood cells, or bacteria.

The Ureters The ureters are long, slender tubes which extend from the kidneys to the urinary bladder.The ureters are long, slender tubes which extend from the kidneys to the urinary bladder. Their main function is to transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder.Their main function is to transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder.

The Urinary Bladder A sac-like structure found in the pelvic cavity.A sac-like structure found in the pelvic cavity. Its main function is to hold urine.Its main function is to hold urine.

The Urethra A small tube (about 2 inches in the female and 8 inches in males) which transports urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.A small tube (about 2 inches in the female and 8 inches in males) which transports urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.

Diseases and Disorders of the Urinary System

Kidney Stones Kidney stones are hard masses developed from crystals that separate from the urine within the urinary tract.Kidney stones are hard masses developed from crystals that separate from the urine within the urinary tract. Usually, the first symptom of a kidney stone is extreme pain, which begins suddenly when a stone moves in the urinary tract and blocks the flow of urine.Usually, the first symptom of a kidney stone is extreme pain, which begins suddenly when a stone moves in the urinary tract and blocks the flow of urine.

Kidney Stones continued Typically, a person feels a sharp, cramping pain in the back and side in the area of the kidney or in the lower abdomen. Sometimes nausea and vomiting occur.Typically, a person feels a sharp, cramping pain in the back and side in the area of the kidney or in the lower abdomen. Sometimes nausea and vomiting occur. Later, pain may spread to the groin. Predisposing factors for kidney stones include dehydration, infection, obstruction, and genetics.Later, pain may spread to the groin. Predisposing factors for kidney stones include dehydration, infection, obstruction, and genetics. Treatment includes medication to relieve the pain, forcing fluids, and sometimes surgical intervention such as lithotripsy.Treatment includes medication to relieve the pain, forcing fluids, and sometimes surgical intervention such as lithotripsy.

Kidney Failure Kidney failure is the loss of the kidney’s ability to perform their main function — eliminate excess fluid and waste material from the blood.Kidney failure is the loss of the kidney’s ability to perform their main function — eliminate excess fluid and waste material from the blood. When the kidneys lose their filtering ability, dangerous levels of fluid and waste accumulate in the body.When the kidneys lose their filtering ability, dangerous levels of fluid and waste accumulate in the body. Signs and symptoms include decreased urine output, fluid retention, drowsiness, shortness of breath, fatigue, confusion, seizures or coma in severe cases.Signs and symptoms include decreased urine output, fluid retention, drowsiness, shortness of breath, fatigue, confusion, seizures or coma in severe cases. Treatment includes a modified diet, IV fluids, and dialysis until kidney function returns to normal.Treatment includes a modified diet, IV fluids, and dialysis until kidney function returns to normal.

Cystitis Cystitis is the inflammation of the urinary bladder caused by bacteria.Cystitis is the inflammation of the urinary bladder caused by bacteria. It is more common in women.It is more common in women. Signs and symptoms of cystitis include urgency, frequency, burning upon urination, dysuria, and possible urethral discharge.Signs and symptoms of cystitis include urgency, frequency, burning upon urination, dysuria, and possible urethral discharge. It is treated with antibiotics.It is treated with antibiotics.

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