Module 18: Urinary

Question 1

What are the main components of the Urinary System?

Answer 1

Kidneys, Ureters, Urinary Bladder, and Urethra

Question 2

Where are the Kidneys found?

Answer 2

Posterior abdominal wall underneath the 12th rib.

Question 3

What structures are in place to protect the kidneys?

Answer 3

The ribs and a heavy cushion of fat encasing each kidney.

Question 4

Where do structures such as blood vessels, ureters, and nerves enter and leave the kidney?

Answer 4

A slit called the hilum located in a concave notch.

Question 5

What are the functions of the kidney?

Answer 5

A WET BED: Acid Base Balance, Water Removal, Erythropoesis, Toxin Removal, Blood Pressure Control, Electrolyte Balance, Vitamin D Activation

Question 6

Define Renal Cortex

Answer 6

Outer region of kidney

Question 7

Define Renal Medulla

Answer 7

Inner Region

Question 8

Define Renal Columns

Answer 8

Extensions from the renal cortex that divide the interior region into cone-shaped sections

Question 9

Define Renal Pyramids

Answer 9

Cone-shaped sections consisting of tubules for transporting urine away from the cortex.

Question 10

Define Minor Calyx

Answer 10

The renal papilla (point of pyramid) extends into a cup that collects urine

Question 11

Define Renal Palilla

Answer 11

The point of the renal pyramids

Question 12

Define Major Calyix

Answer 12

Two or Three minor calyxes join together to form a major calyx

Question 13

Define Renal Pelvis

Answer 13

Receives urine from the major calyxes and continues as the ureter which channels urine to the urinary bladder.

Question 14

Define Renal Artery

Answer 14

Brings blood to the kidney- branches off the abdominal aorta

Question 15

Define Renal Vein

Answer 15

Blood leaves the kidney from here and empties into the inferior vena cava

Question 16

What is the filtration unit of the kidney?

Answer 16

Nephron- lay primarily in the outer region of the kidney

Question 17

Briefly describe Renal Circulation of Blood

Answer 17

The renal artery brings blood to the kidney. As it enters the kidney, the renal artery divides, branching into smaller arteries. The arteries pass through the renal columns and extend into the renal cortex. Blood leaves the kidneys through the renal vein which empties into the inferior vena cava.

Question 18

What is Aldosterone

Answer 18

Hormone that causes the distal convoluted tubule to retain sodium which leads to retention of water resulting in increased blood pressure

Question 19

What is Anti-diuretic Hormone

Answer 19

Hormone that inhibits diuresis (increased production of urine) by stimulating the kidneys to conserve water. Causes BP and BV and BP go up

Question 20

What is Atrial Natriuetic Peptide hormone

Answer 20

Secreted by the posterior pituitary gland. Causes the cells of the collecting duct to become more permeable to water. Causes BV and BP to down.

Question 21

What is Parathyroid Hormone

Answer 21

Secreted in response to low blood calcium levels. Prompts the renal tubules to reabsorb more calcium and excrete phosphate.

Question 22

What are the Ureters?

Answer 22

Muscular tubes connecting the kidney to the bladder. Approx 25cm or 9.8 inches in length. Peristalic waves help propel urine from the renal pelvis toward the bladder.

Question 23

What is the Urinary Bladder?

Answer 23

A collapsible muscular sac. that stores urine

Question 24

What is the capacity of the urinary bladder?

Answer 24

500ml is moderately full and 800ml is maximum capacity.

Question 25

Where do infections commonly attack in the bladder?

Answer 25

Trigone

Question 26

What is the Urethra?

Answer 26

Small tube that conveys urine away from the bladder and out of the body. 3cm in females and 20 cm in males. Females are more prone to UTI’s because bacteria can easily migrate up the short urethra. The opening of the urethra is called the external urinary meatus.

Question 27

Define Internal Urethral Sphincter

Answer 27

A ring of smooth muscle that contracts involuntarily to retain urine in the bladder

Question 28

Define External Urinary Sphincter

Answer 28

Consists of skeletal muscles and is therefore under voluntary control

Question 29

What is Renin?

Answer 29

An enzyme released by the kidneys in response to a drop in blood pressure that causes the conversion of angiotensinogen into angiotensin 1.

Question 30

Define Bowman’s Capsule

Answer 30

2 layers of epithelial cells that envelop of glomerulus in an open-ended covering; also called a glomerular capsule.

Question 31

What is not normally found in Urine and can indicate disease process?

Answer 31

Glucose, blood, free hemoglobin, albumin, ketones and bile pigmentation.

Question 32

What might darker or cloudy urine indicate?

Answer 32

Dark urine usually results from poor hydration; Cloudy urine may result from bacteria indicating an infection

Question 33

What might different urine odors indicate?

Answer 33

A pungent smell results when urine is allowed to stand; bacteria multiplies and converts urea into ammonia. A sweet, fruit smell often occurs in diabetics. A rotten odor may indicate a UTI

Question 34

What might a high specific gravity indicate in urine?

Answer 34

Dehydration

Question 35

What is the average pH level of urine?

Answer 35

6.0 higher reflects alkalosis and lower indicates acidosis