the structure and function of the urinary system Flashcards
what does the urinary system consist of
two kidneys , two ureters , the urinary bladder and the urethra
what blood vessels are associated with the urinary system
1) the renal artery
2) the renal vein
renal artery
carries blood laden with nitrogenous waste to the kidneys
renal vein
carries blood with very little nitrogenous waste away from the kidneys
kidneys
a pair of bean shaped organs in the abdominal cavity on either side of the midline just below the diaphragm
what is the difference between the two kidneys
the right kidney is usually lower than the left kidney
what is attached to the kidney at its hilum
the renal artery , renal vein and ureter
where does the hilum occur
on the concave , medial side of the kidneys
ureters
a pair of ducts which carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder
the pelvis
where each ureter begins within each kidney as a widened pelvis
bladder
a muscle sac which stores urine temporarily . it can hold up to 600ml pf urine
urethra
is a tube which carries urine from the bladder to the exterior . in the male , the urethra , which runs through the penis , carries urine as well as semen . in the female , the urethra and vagina opens separately
the renal capsule
the kidney is covered on the outside by a thin membrane , the renal capsule
what is within the renal capsule
the outer cortex and the inner medulla
what is the medulla made up of
a number of conical ( cone shaped ) pyramids
