B10 - Flashcards
What are the 5 things that make up the renal system?
- Right kidney
- Left kidney
- Ureter
- Bladder
- Uterus
What is the renal system?
This regulates salt and fluid balance in the body
What does the renal system consist of?
- two kidneys
- two ureters
- the bladder
- the urethra
What are the functions of the kidneys?
- remove waste products ( salt, water and toxins) from blood
- produce urine
- regulate the amount of water in the body by adjusting the amount and concentration of urine produced
- regulate PH level of the blood
What are the functions of the ureters?
- transport urine from the renal pelvis to the bladder
- prevent back flow as they have a muscular wall that contracts which pushes the urine downwards and prevents it from flowing back to the kidneys
What are the functions of the bladder?
- temporary storage for urine produced by the kidney
- contract and flatten to empty the urine through the urethra
What are the functions of the urethra in men?
- carriers urine from the bladder to exit the body
- muscle contraction allows semen to be transported from the testicles to the penis which is controlled by the automatic nervous system
What are the functions of urethra in women?
- carries urine from the bladder
- no reproductive function
What are UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections)?
An infection of the bladder, kidneys, ureters or urethra
What causes UTIs?
- bacteria entering the tube that carriers pee out of the body
- being sexually active
Why are UTIs more common in women?
They have a shorter urethra than men which means bacteria is more likely to reach the bladder or kidneys
What are the symptoms of UTIs?
- burning sensation when peeing
- blood in urine
- needing to pee more than usual
- pee that looks cloudy
What are the treatments for UTIs?
- urine test
- painkillers
- antibiotics may be prescribed
What is acute renal failure?
This is where your kidneys suddenly stop working properly
What causes acute renal failure?
Reduced blood flow to the kidneys
What are the symptoms of actue failure?
- feeling sick or being sick
- diarrhoea
- dehydration
- peeing less
- confusion
What treatments are there for acute renal failure?
- increase intake of water
- antibiotics if you have an infection
- a urinary catheter which is used to drain the bladder if there’s blockage
What is chronic renal failure?
A long term condition where the kidneys do not work as well as they should
What are the causes of chronic renal failure?
- high blood pressure
- diabetes
- high cholesterol
What are the symptoms of chronic renal failure?
- tiredness
- swollen ankles, feet or hands
- shortness of breath
- feeling sick
- blood in pee
