Overview- Lower Urinary Tract Dz

Question 1

What parts are in the upper UT?

Answer 1

kidneys

ureters

Question 2

What parts are in the lower UT?

Answer 2

urinary bladder

urethra

Question 3

What is the name and function of the valve that connects the ureters and bladder?

Answer 3

Vesicoureteral valve

• prevents backflow of urine from bladder to ureter
• prevents bacteria that make it to the bladder from traveling up the ureter and reaching the kidney

Question 4

Functions of urinary bladder

Answer 4

• storage unit for urine

- helps maintain fluid and electrolyte balance thru secretion of sodium and water by its mucosa

Question 5

Functions of the urethra

Answer 5

• transit system for evacuation of urine from the body

- maintains urinary continence

Question 6

First line of defense in lower UT and what it does

Answer 6

Urethra

-urethral sphincter muscle keeps foreign invaders from entering urethra and travling to bladder

Question 7

What are some other barriers of defense?

Answer 7

Mucosa of urinary bladder

• vesicoureteral valve
• production of proteins with antibacterial properties (glycosaminoglycans)
• local production of IgA

Question 8

How does the urine itself act as a defense mechanism?

Answer 8

• higher SG makes it harder for bacteria to survive

- urine flow flush bacteria out of urethra

Question 9

Common C of lower UT Dz

Answer 9

dysuria- difficult or painful urination
stranguria- straining to urinate
pollakiuria- frequent urination of small amounts
hematuria- blood in urine; may also be associated with upper UT Dz
systemic CS rare