The Urinary System Flashcards
What does the urinary system consist of?
two kidneys, two ureters, the bladder and the urethra
Explain the appearance and location of the kidneys.
They are two fist-sized bean-shaped organs that are located just below the diaphragm in the small of the back.
In what artery are the waste products collected from all over the body?
The aorta
How does the blood from the aorta enter the kidneys?
Through the two renal arteries
What are the main processes in the kidneys?
Filtration, reabsorption, secretion
What does filtration in the kidneys result in?
Filteration results in small substances being forced out of the bloodstream into the kidney
Where does filtration in the kidneys take place?
This takes place in the outer cortex of each kidney.
Where are the substances filtered secreted into?
Some substances are secreted from the blood into the cortex of the kidney
What substances are secreted from the blood into the cortex?
potassium and hydrogen ions
What happens when there is too much potassium in the body?
Too much potassium in the body prevents nerve impulses traveling correctly and reduces the strength of muscular contraction
Why do the Kidneys remove hydrogen ions from the blood?
By controlling the hydrogen ion concentration of the blood, the kidneys control blood pH.
How does purified blood leave the kidneys? Where does it go?
through the renal veins and to the vena cava
What is left in the kidneys when all three processes are complete?
Only unwanted waste and toxic products are left in the kidney. This forms a liquid called urine.
