Urinary System Flashcards
Which structures compose the urinary system ?
- kidneys
- urinary tract : paired ureters, urinary bladder and urethra
Give 5 features of the kidneys
- paired and bean shaped
- retroperitoneal
- superior portion protected by 11th and 12th ribs (floating ribs)
- left and right height differences
- capped by adrenal gland for endocrine functions
What glands caps the kidneys ?
Adrenal glands
Which ribs protect the kidneys ?
11th and 12the ribs (floating ribs)
What are the left and right differences in kidney’s positioning in the body ?
- left kidney extends from T12 to L3
- right kidney is lower due to the liver
What are the 3 external layers of connective tissues protecting the kidneys ?
- renal fascia
- adipose capsule
- renal capsule
What is the role of renal fascia ?
It’s one of the 3 external layers of protective tissues of the kidneys.
It anchors each kidney to the peritoneum.
It anchors each kidney to the fascia covering the muscles of the posterior abdominal wall.
What is the role of the adipose capsule ?
It is one of the 3 external layers protecting the kidneys.
It protects the kidneys from shocks.
What is the role of the renal capsule ?
It is one of the 3 external layers protecting the kidney.
It covers the exterior of each kidney to protect them from infection and physical trauma.
What enters and exits through the hilium of the kidney ?
- renal artery
- renal vein
- renal nerves
- ureter
What are the 3 distinct regions of the kidney ?
- the inner renal pelvis
- the middle renal medulla
- the outermost renal cortex
Which structures compose the renal medulla ?
- renal pyramid
- renal column
What is the role of renal cortex and renal medulla together ?
Urine-forming portion of the kidney
What is the main role of renal pelvis ?
Drain the urine created by renal cortex and renal medulla
What is the functional unit of the kidney ?
The nephron
What are the functions of the nephrons ?
- filtering blood
- producing urine
What is the first urine draining structure ?
The papilla
After the processing of nephron what are the structure draining the urine ?
- papilla
- minor calyx
- major calyx (urine from 3 to 4 minor calyx)
- 3 to 4 major calyx drain the urine to the renal pelvis
- ureter