Urinary System
Urinary System
The Urinary System, also known as the Renal System, is a group of organs in the body that filters out excess fluid and other substances from the bloodstream. The substances are then converted into urine and expelled from the body. The urinary system includes two kidneys, two ureters, the bladder, two sphincter muscles and the urethra. The kidneys are the main organs of homeostasis because they maintain the acid-base balance and the water-salt balance of the blood.
Anatomy of the Urinary System[edit | edit source]
The urinary system consists of the kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra. The kidneys filter the blood to remove wastes and produce urine. The ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra together form the urinary tract, which acts as a plumbing system to drain urine from the kidneys, store it, and then release it during urination.
Kidneys[edit | edit source]
The Kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs located toward the back of the abdominal cavity, just above the waist. They remove waste products from the blood and produce urine. The kidneys also regulate the levels of certain substances in the body, such as electrolytes, and release hormones that control blood pressure and regulate the production of red blood cells.
Ureters[edit | edit source]
The Ureters are tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. There are two ureters, one attached to each kidney.
Bladder[edit | edit source]
The Bladder is a hollow muscular organ that stores urine. It expands as it fills with urine and contracts to push the urine through the urethra during urination.
Urethra[edit | edit source]
The Urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. In males, the urethra also carries semen.
Function of the Urinary System[edit | edit source]
The main function of the urinary system is to eliminate waste from the body. The kidneys filter out various waste products, as well as excess water and electrolytes, from the bloodstream. These waste products, water, and electrolytes form urine, which the kidneys send to the bladder through the ureters for storage until it can be excreted from the body through the urethra.
Diseases and Disorders of the Urinary System[edit | edit source]
There are many diseases and disorders that can affect the urinary system, including kidney disease, urinary tract infections, bladder control problems, and prostate problems. Treatment for these conditions can range from medication to surgery.
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
