Monitors and regulates fluids (plasma, tissue fluid, lymph) Filters substances from plasma Excretes harmful substances as urine Returns useful products to blood

Macroscopic Kidneys Renal Artery Renal Vein Renal Pelvis Ureter Urethra Urinary Meatus

Kidney: fist sized, kidney shaped organs that filter tissue fluids and reabsorb useful nutrients for the body Renal Artery: carries blood containing waste to kidney Renal Vein: carries “cleaned” blood out of kidney Renal Pelvis: waste material in the form of urine stored here during filtering process Ureter: extends from renal pelvis and carries urine to bladder Bladder: temporary reservoir for urine Urethra: tube at base of bladder that releases urine Urinary Meatus: urine expelled; in females, located above the vagina

Structural overview

The most common disorder of the urinary system UTI is a broad diagnosis covering any infection of the urinary tract including the urethra, ureters, bladder and kidneys. May be caused by virus or fungus; most common infection is caused by bacteria

Dysuria – painful urination Proteinuria – protein in the urine Hematuria – blood in the urine Pyuria – pus in the urine Oliguria – absence of urine production Frequency, urgency Flank/back pain, fever, nausea, vomiting

Cystitis is the medical term for inflammation of the bladder which is the most common area of infection Diagnostics: U/A – urinalysis, C&S – culture and sensitivity, blood tests (BUN, CBC, Electrolytes), IVP – intravenous pyelogram, Cystoscopy, Biopsy Treatments: based on cause. Antibiotics, catheterization, surgery, dialysis, lithotripsy, anti-hypertensive medications