Urinary Flashcards
What does the urinary system consist of?
Ureters, urethra, kidneys and bladder
What are the 4 main functions of the urinary system?
-removes metabolic waster and retains nutrients
-regulates blood volume and BP
-regulates concentration of K, Na, Cl etc
-helps to stabilize blood pH
Where are the kidneys located? Which is slightly higher?
Between T12 and L3; L is slightly higher
What structures are found related to anterior surface of kidneys?
Liver, stomach, spleen, jejunum, small intestine, pancreas, descending part of duodenum
What structures are found related to posterior surface of kidneys?
Rib XI and XII, diaphragm, psoas major, QL, and TA
What are the three external layers of the kidney?
-renal capsule (innermost)
-adipose capsule (perirenal fat)
-renal fascia (outermost)
What does the hilum contain?
Renal vessels, lymphatics, and nerves
Describe what vessels blood flows through to get to the nephrons
Renal artery -> segmental artery -> arcuate artery -> interlobular artery
What is a ureter?
Muscular tube that transports urine from kidneys to bladder
What are the three points of constrictors for ureters
1 - ureteropelvic junction
2 - where the ureters cross the common iliac vessels (pelvic inlet)
3 - where the ureters enter the wall of the bladder
Where does the bladder sit when it’s empty? Full?
-pelvic cavity
-abdominal cavity
What fibromuscular band supports a female bladder? Male?
F: pubovesical ligament
M: puboprostatic ligament
What structures help support a male and females bladder?
Perineal membrane, levator ani muscles and pubic bone
Describe the urethra of a woman (length, pathway)
-short, 4cm
-perineal pouch and membrane -> vestibule
What are the 4 divisions of a male’s urethra?
Preprostatic, prostatic, membranous, spongy parts
