The Urinary System Flashcards
the process through which the body maintains a constant internal environment
homeostasis
the major waste product of protein metabolism
urea
a waste product of muscle metabolism
creatinine
2 kidneys, 2 ureters, 1 bladder, and 1 urethra
urinary tract
the reproductive system and the urinary tract
genitourinary tract
bean-shaped organs that constantly filter the blood to remove waster products and excess water which is excreted urine that is 95% water and 5% urea and other body wastes
kidneys
pertaining to the kidneys
renal
behind the peritoneum, the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity
retroperitoneal
the outer region of the kidney; contains more than 1 million microscopic units called nephrons
renal cortex
the inner region of the kidney; contains most of the urine-collecting tubules
medulla
the inner region of the kidney; contains most of the urine-collecting tubules
medulla
the microscopic functional units of each kidney; here, the urine is produced through the processes of filtration, reabsorption, and secretion
nephrons
a cluster of capillaries surrounded by a cup-shaped membrane and a renal tubule
glomerulus
where blood enters the kidneys and flows into the nephrons
renal artery
where the filtered blood containing protein and blood cells leaves the kidney and returns to the bloodstream
renal vein
the funnel-shaped area inside each kidney that is surrounded by the renal cortex and medulla; where newly formed urine from the nephrons collects before it flows into the ureters
renal pelvis
2 narrow tubes, each about 10-12 inches long, which transport urine from the kidney to the bladder
ureters
a series of wave-like contractions, moves urine down each ureter to the bladder
peristalsis
where urine drains from the ureters into the bladder
ureteral orifices
an oval, hollow, muscular organ that is a reservoir for urine before it is excreted from the body; located in the anterior portion of the pelvic cavity behind the pubic symphesis
urinary bladder
lines the rubber; allow it to expand when full and contract when empty
rugae
the tube extending from the bladder to the exterior of the body
urethra
muscular rings that control the flow of urine from the bladder into the urethra and out of the urethra through the urethral meatus; one located on either end of the urethra
urinary sphincters
the external opening of the urethra
urethral meatus
approximately 1.5 inches long, located between the clitoris and the opening of the vagina; transports only urine
female urethra
approximately 8 inches long, located at the tip of the penis, transports both urine and semen
male urethra
a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders of the kidneys
nephrologist
a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders of the urinary system of females and the genitourinary system of males
urologist
a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders of the urinary system of females and the genitourinary system of males
urologist
any disease of the kidney, includes both degenerative and inflammatory conditions
nephropathy
(kidney failure) the inability of one or both kidneys to perform their functions; the body cannot replace damaged nephrons, and when too many nephrons have been destroyed, the result is kidney failure
renal failure
an elevation of the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) caused by a lack of blood flow to each kidney; uremia can occur when this excess becomes toxic
azotemia
(uremic poisoning) a toxic condition resulting from renal failure in which kidney function is compromised and urea and other waster products normally secreted in the urine are retained in the blood
uremia
(ARF) sudden onset and characterized by uremia; can be caused by the kidneys not receiving enough blood to filter due to dehydration or a sudden drop volume or blood pressure from injury, burns, or severe infection
acute renal failure
(CKD) the progressive loss of renal function over months or years; may result from diabetes mellitus, hypertension, or a family history of kidney disease
chronic kidney disease
(ESRD) the final stage of chronic kidney disease; fatal unless the functions of the failed kidneys are replaced by dialysis, or with a successful kidney transplant
end-stage kidney disease
a group of conditions in which excessive amounts of protein are lost through urine; usually caused by damage to the glomeruli, results in abnormally low levels of protein in the blood
nephrotic syndrome (nephrosis)
excessive fluid accumulation in body tissues that can be symptomatic of nephrotic syndrome and other kidney diseases
edema
the presence of abnormally high concentrations of protein in the urine
hyperproteinuria
the presence of abnormally low concentrations of protein in the urine
hypoproteinuria
the dilation of one or both kidneys; can be caused by problems associated with the backing up of urine due to an obstruction such as a nephrolith or a stricture in the ureter
hydronephrosis
an inflammation of the kidney(s); can be caused by toxins, infection, or an autoimmune disease
nephritis
a type of nephritis caused by the inflammation of the glomeruli that causes RBCs and proteins to leak into the urine
glomerulonephritis
(floating kidney) the prolapse of a kidney into the pelvic area when the patient stands
nephroptosis
(pyonephrosis) suppuration of the kidney
nephropyosis
(PKD) a genetic disorder characterized by the growth of numerous fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys
polycystic kidney disease
an acute pain in the kidney that is caused by blockage during the passage of a nephrolith
renal colic
a rare type of malignant tumor of the kidney that occurs in young children; high cure rate when treated promptly
Wilms tumor
(calculus) an abnormal mineral deposit that has formed within the body and is named for the organ or tissue where it is located
stone
the presence of stones in the kidney
nephrolithiasis
kidney stone or renal calculus
nephrolith
a stone located anywhere along the ureter
ureterolith
a stone located within the urinary bladder
cystolith
the distention of the ureter with urine that cannot flow because the ureter is blocked; always accompanies hydronephrosis
hydroureter
the distention of a ureter due to hydroureter or congenital abnormalities
ureterectasis
the discharge of blood from the ureter
ureterorrhagia
(cytodynia) pain in the bladder
cystalgia
(prolapsed bladder) a hernia of the bladder through the vaginal wall; sometimes occurs as a result of pregnancy or childbirth
cystocele
a chronic inflammation within the walls of the bladder
interstitial cystitis