urology A&P Flashcards
what is included in the urinary system?
kidneys
ureters
urinary bladder
urethra
prostate (MEN)
kidney function
maintain fluid and electrolyte homeostasis
rid the body of water soluble wastes via urine
3 important endocrine functions by the kidney
- produces erythropoietin (stimulates RBC production)
- activates vitamin D
- produces renin, which helps regulate BP
where is the kidney located/assessed?
in the retroperitoneal space –> assessed at the costovertebral angle (12th rib)
nephrons
functional unit of the kidney
each kidney contains > 1 million nephrons – we can fxn with 10-25% (why humans can donate 1 kidney)
tissues of the kidney
-renal pelvis
-medulla
-renal cortex
renal pelvis
large collecting area for urine that drains from the nephrons
medulla
contains 8-12 pyramids that consist of:
-collecting tubules
-collecting ducts
-loops of henle & capillaries
renal cortex
contains all glomeruli and 85% of nephron tubules
kidney blood supply
1/4 cardiac output delivered to kidneys
total kidney blood flow 1200mL/min
function of nephrons
filter water-soluble substances from the blood
reabsorb filtered nutrients, water, and electrolytes
secrete wastes and excesses
what does each nephron contain
glomerulus and a tubule
nephron: glomerulus
-filters fluid from blood into tubules
-prevents passages of RBC and proteins
-surrounded by Bowman’s capsule
overall glomerular filtration rate ~ 125mL/min
ureters
2; narrow, 10-12 inches long
drain urine from renal pelvis to bladder
bladder
reservoir for urine
normal: 1500mL/day
