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
(VUR) the backward flow of urine into the ureters from the bladder; most common in infants and children
vesicoureteral reflux
an abnormal opening between the bladder and vagina that allows constant involuntary flow of urine from the bladder into the vagina; ay be caused by prolonged labor during childbirth or surgery such as a hysterectomy
vesicovaginal fistula
a urinary problem caused by interference with the normal nerve pathways associated with urination
neurogenic bladder
(BPH, enlarged prostate) an enlargement of the prostate gland that most often occurs in men older than 50; can make urination difficult and causes other urinary-tract problems for men
benign prostatic hyperplagia
a disorder resulting from the compression of obstruction of the urethra due to benign prostatic hyperplasia
prostatism
one of the most common cancers among men; can slowly grow with no symptoms, or it can grow aggressively and spread throughout the body
prostate cancer
a group of disorders characterized by the inflammation of the prostate gland
prostatitis
bleeding from the urethra
urethrorrhagia
an abnormal discharge from the urethra; associated with some sexually transmitted diseases
urethrorrhea
(urethral stricture) narrowing of the urethra; occurs almost exclusively in men and is caused by scarring from infection or injury
urethrostenosis
a congenital abnormality of the urethral opening; in males, the urethral opening is located on the upper surface of the penis; in females, the urethral opening is located in the region of the clitoris
epispadias
a congenital abnormality of the urethral opening; in males, the urethral opening is located on the ventral surface of the penis; in females, the urethra opens into the vagina
hypospadias
(UTI) usually begins in the bladder
urinary tract infection
an inflammation of the bladder
cystitis
an inflammation of both the renal pelvis and kidney
pyelonephritis
an inflammation of the urethra
urethritis
the absence of urine formation by the kidneys often caused by kidney failure or a urinary tract obstruction
anuria
the increased output of urine
diuresis
difficult or painful urination frequently associated with UTIs
dysuria
the involuntary discharge of urine
enuresis
(bed-wetting) urinary incontinence during sleep
nocturnal enuresis
frequent and excessive urination during the night
nocturia
scanty urination; can be caused by dehydration, renal failure, or a urinary tract obstruction
oliguria
excessive urination and is a common symptom of diabetes
polyuria
difficulty in starting a urinary stream; most common in older men with enlarged prostate glands
urinary hesitancy
in younger people, the inability to urinate when another person is present
bashful bladder syndrome
(ischuria) the inability to completely empty the bladder when attempting to urinate
urinary retention
the inability to control the excretion of urine, feces, or both
incontinence
the inability to control the voiding of urine
urinary incontinence
the continuous leaking from the bladder either because it is full or because it does not completely empty
overflow incontinence
the inability to control the voiding of urine under physical stress such as running, lifting, sneezing, laughing, or coughing
stress incontinence
(OAB, urge incontinence) occurs when the muscles of the bladder contract involuntarily even though the bladder is not actually full enough to indicate the need to urinate
overactive bladder
urinalysis
the examination of urine to determine the presence of abnormal elements; also used to detect drugs and pregnancy
the use of a handheld ultrasound transducer to look for stones or for elevation of the bladder by an enlarged prostate and to measure the residual amount of urine remaining in the bladder after urination
bladder ultrasound
the insertion of a tube into the bladder to procure a sterile specimen for diagnostic procedures or drain urine
urinary catheterization
the visual examination of the urinary bladder with the use of a specialized endoscope known as a cystoscope which is also used for treatment procedures such as the removal of tumors or the reduction of an enlarged prostate gland
cytoscopy
a diagnostic procedure in which a fluoroscope is used to examine the flow of urine from the bladder and through the urethra; often performed after cystography
voiding cystourethrography
the use of a CAT scan to examine the kidneys
nephrotomography
(GFR) a blood test to check how well the kidneys are functioning at filtering blood
glomerular filtration rate
(BUN) a indicator of kidney function
blood urea nitrogen test
a radiographic, x-ray, examination of the bladder after a contrast medium is installed via a urethral catheter
cystography
(excretory urography) a radiographic study of the kidneys and ureters; used to diagnose changes in the urinary tract resulting from nephroliths, infections, enlarged prostate, tumors, and internal injuries after an abdominal trauma
intravenous pyelography
(IVP) a contract medium is administered intravenously to clearly define the kidneys and ureters
intravenous pyelogram
(KUB/ flat-plate of the abdomen) a radiographic study without the use of a contrast medium; used to detect bowel obstructions and nephroliths; a KUB x-ray does not show the ureters
kidneys, ureter, bladder
a radiograph of the urinary system taken after a contrast medium had been placed in the urethra through a sterile catheter and caused flow upward through the urinary tract
retrograde urography
performed on men using a lubricated, gloved finger placed in the rectum to palpate the prostate gland to detect prostate enlargement and to look for indications of prostate cancers o tumors of the rectum
digital rectal examination
(PSA blood test) used to screen for prostate cancer; the higher a man’s PSA level, the more likely cancer is present
prostate-specific antigen blood test
a protein produced by the cells of the prostate gland to help liquify semen
prostate-specific antigen
medications administered to increase urine secretion, primarily to rid the body of excess water and salt
diuretics
used to treat UTIs
antibiotics
block the signals that cause urinary incontinence
antispasmodics
a procedure to remove waste products, such as urea, creatinine, and excess water from the blood of a patient whose kidneys no longer function
dialysis
the process by which waste products are filtered directly from the patient’s blood; most common type of dialysis
hemodialysis
treatment performed on an external hemodialysis unit
artificial kidney
an artificial passage that allows the blood to flow between the body and the hemodialysis unit
shunt
a sterilized solution made up of water and electrolytes; cleanses the blood by removing waste products and excess fluids
dialysate
the lining of the peritoneal cavity acts as the filter to remove waste from the blood
peritoneal dialysis
(CAPD) provides ongoing dialysis as the patient goes about his or her daily activities
continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis
(CCPD or APD) uses a machine to cycle the dialysate solution during the night while the patient sleeps
continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis or automated peritoneal dialysis
the surgical freeing of a kidney from adhesions
nephrolysis
(nephrorrhaphy) the surgical fixation of nephroptosis, or a floating kidney
nephropexy
the placement of a catheter to maintain an opening from the pelvis to one of both kidneys to the exterior of the body
nephrostomy
a surgical incision into the renal pelvis
pyelotomy
(kidney transplant) the grafting of a donor kidney into the part of the body to replace the recipient’s failed kidneys
renal transplantation
(ESWL) the most common kidney stone treatment; high0energy ultrasonic waves traveling through water or gel are used to break the stone into fragments, which are excreted in the urine
extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy
the surgical removal of a nephrolith through a small incision in the back
percutaneous nephrolithotomy
the surgical removal of a ureter
ureterectomy
the surgical suturing of a ureter
ureterorrhaphy
the surgical removal of all or part of the urinary bladder; usually performed to treat bladder cancer
cystectomy
(urinary ileostomy) the use of a small piece of intestine to convey urine to the ureters and to a stoma in the abdomen
ileal conduit
the surgical fixation of the bladder to the abdominal wall
cystopexy
the surgical suturing of a wound or defect in the bladder
cystorrhaphy
a surgical incision for the removal of a nephrolith
lithotomy
(cathing) performed to withdraw urine for diagnostic purposes, to allow urine to drain freely, or to place a fluid such as a chemotherapy solution into the bladder
urinary catheterization
remains inside the body for a prolonged time based on need; can either be a urethral or a suprapubic catheter
indwelling catheter
performed by inserting a plastic tube called a catheter through a urethra and into the bladder
urethral catheterization
the placement of a catheter into the bladder through a small incision made through the abdominal wall just above the pubic bone
suprapubic catheterization
most common type of indwelling catheter; this device is made up of a flexible tube with a balloon filled with sterile water at the end to hold it in place in the bladder; commonly used in post surgical patients
Foley catheter
(short-term catheter) inserted as needed several times a day to drain urine from the bladder
intermittent catheter
a surgical incision made into the urethral meatus to enlarge the opening
meatotomy
the surgical repair of damage or a defect in the walls of the urethra
urethroplasty
a surgical incision into the urethra for relief of a stricture
urethrotomy
term used to describe some types of treatment of prostate cancer; involves the removal of a body part or the destruction of its function through the use of surgery, hormones, drugs, heat, chemicals, electrocautery, or other methods
ablation
the surgical removal of all or part of the prostate gland; can lead to erectile difficulties
prostatectomy
the surgical removal of the entire prostate gland in cases where it is extremely enlarged or when cancer is suspected
radial prostatectomy
(TURP) the removal of excess tissue from an enlarged prostate gland with the use of a resectoscope
transurethral prostatectomy
when an orgasm results in semen flowing backward into the bladder instead of through the penis; most common long-term complication of TURP
retrograde ejeculation
a series of pelvic muscle exercises used to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor
Kegal exercises
behavioral therapy in which the patient learns to urinate on a schedule
bladder retraining
