Urinary

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Urinary system is a part of the human body that includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. It is responsible for the production, storage, and elimination of urine, the fluid waste excreted by the kidneys. The urinary system maintains the body's electrolyte balance and regulates the acid-base homeostasis.

Structure[edit | edit source]

The urinary system consists of two kidneys, two ureters, the urinary bladder, and the urethra. The kidneys filter the blood to remove wastes and produce urine. The ureters carry the urine from the kidneys to the bladder, which stores the urine until it is eliminated from the body through the urethra.

Kidneys[edit | edit source]

The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs located at the back of the abdominal cavity. Each kidney is about the size of a fist and weighs about 150 grams. The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste products, excess water, and other impurities from the blood. These waste products are stored in the bladder and then removed during urination.

Ureters[edit | edit source]

The ureters are two thin tubes of muscle, each about 25-30 cm long, that transport urine from the kidneys to the urinary bladder. The ureters use peristalsis, a series of wave-like contractions, to move urine down from the kidneys to the bladder.

Bladder[edit | edit source]

The bladder is a hollow muscular organ that stores urine. It is located in the pelvic cavity and can hold up to 500 ml of urine. When the bladder is full, signals are sent to the brain to initiate the urge to urinate.

Urethra[edit | edit source]

The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. In males, the urethra is about 20 cm long and opens at the end of the penis. In females, the urethra is about 4 cm long and opens above the vaginal opening.

Function[edit | edit source]

The main function of the urinary system is to eliminate waste from the body. The kidneys filter out waste products, toxins, and excess substances from the bloodstream, which are then excreted as urine. The urinary system also maintains the body's electrolyte balance and regulates the acid-base balance, which is crucial for the body's pH homeostasis.

Diseases and disorders[edit | edit source]

There are many diseases and disorders that can affect the urinary system, including kidney disease, urinary tract infections, bladder cancer, and urinary incontinence. Treatment for these conditions varies, but may include medication, surgery, or other therapies.

Urinary Resources
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Contributors: Bonnu, Prab R. Tumpati, MD