Module 18: Urinary Flashcards
What are the main components of the Urinary System?
Kidneys, Ureters, Urinary Bladder, and Urethra
Where are the Kidneys found?
Posterior abdominal wall underneath the 12th rib.
What structures are in place to protect the kidneys?
The ribs and a heavy cushion of fat encasing each kidney.
Where do structures such as blood vessels, ureters, and nerves enter and leave the kidney?
A slit called the hilum located in a concave notch.
What are the functions of the kidney?
A WET BED: Acid Base Balance, Water Removal, Erythropoesis, Toxin Removal, Blood Pressure Control, Electrolyte Balance, Vitamin D Activation
Define Renal Cortex
Outer region of kidney
Define Renal Medulla
Inner Region
Define Renal Columns
Extensions from the renal cortex that divide the interior region into cone-shaped sections
Define Renal Pyramids
Cone-shaped sections consisting of tubules for transporting urine away from the cortex.
Define Minor Calyx
The renal papilla (point of pyramid) extends into a cup that collects urine
Define Renal Palilla
The point of the renal pyramids
Define Major Calyix
Two or Three minor calyxes join together to form a major calyx
Define Renal Pelvis
Receives urine from the major calyxes and continues as the ureter which channels urine to the urinary bladder.
Define Renal Artery
Brings blood to the kidney- branches off the abdominal aorta
Define Renal Vein
Blood leaves the kidney from here and empties into the inferior vena cava
What is the filtration unit of the kidney?
Nephron- lay primarily in the outer region of the kidney
Briefly describe Renal Circulation of Blood
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.
What is Aldosterone
Hormone that causes the distal convoluted tubule to retain sodium which leads to retention of water resulting in increased blood pressure
What is Anti-diuretic Hormone
Hormone that inhibits diuresis (increased production of urine) by stimulating the kidneys to conserve water. Causes BP and BV and BP go up
What is Atrial Natriuetic Peptide hormone
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.
What is Parathyroid Hormone
Secreted in response to low blood calcium levels. Prompts the renal tubules to reabsorb more calcium and excrete phosphate.
What are the Ureters?
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.
What is the Urinary Bladder?
A collapsible muscular sac. that stores urine
What is the capacity of the urinary bladder?
500ml is moderately full and 800ml is maximum capacity.
Where do infections commonly attack in the bladder?
Trigone
What is the Urethra?
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.
Define Internal Urethral Sphincter
A ring of smooth muscle that contracts involuntarily to retain urine in the bladder
Define External Urinary Sphincter
Consists of skeletal muscles and is therefore under voluntary control
What is Renin?
An enzyme released by the kidneys in response to a drop in blood pressure that causes the conversion of angiotensinogen into angiotensin 1.
Define Bowman’s Capsule
2 layers of epithelial cells that envelop of glomerulus in an open-ended covering; also called a glomerular capsule.
What is not normally found in Urine and can indicate disease process?
Glucose, blood, free hemoglobin, albumin, ketones and bile pigmentation.
What might darker or cloudy urine indicate?
Dark urine usually results from poor hydration; Cloudy urine may result from bacteria indicating an infection
What might different urine odors indicate?
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
What might a high specific gravity indicate in urine?
Dehydration
What is the average pH level of urine?
6.0 higher reflects alkalosis and lower indicates acidosis
