UROGENITAL SYSTEM Flashcards
Two main functions of urinary system
- Elimination of waste products
- Regulate aspects of homeostasis
Organs of the urinary system
- Kidneys
- Ureters
- Urinary bladder
- Urethra
location: against the dorsal body wall, at the level of T12 to L3
Kidneys
Which is slightly lower, left or right?
Right kidney
These covering surrounds each kidney
Renal capsule
These coverings provide protection to the kidney, and helps keep the kidney in its correct location.
Adipose capsule
Regions of the kidney:
Renal cortex, Renal medulla, Renal pelvis
Outer region of the kidney
Renal cortex
A region of the kidney which is inside the cortex
Renal medulla
A region of the kidney which is the inner connecting tube
Renal pelvis
Triangular regions of tissue in the medulla
Medulla pyramids
Extensions of cortex-like material inward
Renal columns
Cup-shaped structures that funnel urine towards the renal pelvis
Calyces
The structural and functional units of the kidneys
Nephrons
Responsible for forming urine
Nephrons
Main structures of the nephrons:
Glomerulus, Renal tubule
A specialized capillary bed, which is attached to arterioles on both sides (maintains high pressure)
Glomerulus
Two tubes connecting to glomerulus:
Large afferent arteriole, Narrow efferent arteriole
Types of nephrons:
- Cortical nephrons
- Juxtamedullary nephrons
Located entirely in the cortex, which includes most nephrons
Cortical nephrons
Found at the boundary of the cortex and medulla
Juxtamedullary nephrons
Arise from efferent arteriole of the glomerulus, which is attached to a venule where the reabsorption of some substances from collecting tubes occur
Peritubular capillaries
Urine formation processes
- Filtration
- Reabsorption
- Secretion
Nonselective passive process
Filtration
Water and solutes smaller than proteins are forced through capillary walls; Blood cells cannot pass out to the capillaries
Filtration
Filtrate is collected in the ______________ and leaves via the ________________
Glomerular capsule, Renal tube