Urology Basics

Question 1

What cell type lines the urinary tract?

Answer 1

Urothelium (transitional epithelium) - resting on basement membrane

Question 2

What are the three areas of the prostate?

Answer 2

1. Transitional zone (common site of BPH)
2. Central zone
3. Peripheral zone (common site of prostate cancer)

Question 3

What is the anatomy of the kidney?

Answer 3

1. Outer layer of cortex surrounding inner medulla.
2. Medulla consists of medullary pyramids.
3. Cortex and medulla contain nephrons (functional unit).
4. Urine is made by nephrons and drains into collecting ducts within medullary pyramids.
5. Merge at the base of pyramids to form renal papilla.
6. Urine drains into minor and major calyces, then renal pelvis, then ureter.