Medical Terminology
Lecture 8
The Urinary System
The urinary system consists of two kidneys, two ureters, a urinary bladder and a
urethra. It filters the blood and removes waste products and excess water from the
body to maintain a normal balance of water, salts, and acids.
Specialists of the urinary system are:
- Nephrologist: a physician specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of the diseases
and disorders of the kidneys
- Urologist: a physician who is specialized in diagnosing and treating diseases of the
urinary system of females and the genitourinary system of males.
Word Roots Related to the Urinary System
Word Root
Meaning
nephr, ren
ureter
cyst
urethr
ur, urin
lith
kidney
ureters
urinary bladder
urethra
urine
stone
Pathology of the Urinary System
Term
Meaning
Nephropathy
Renal Failure
Uremia
Edema
Hyperproteinuria
Hypoproteinemia
Nephritis
Nephroptosis
Nephrolith
Ureterolith
Cystolith
Urethrorrhagia
Urethrostenosis
Cystitis
Cystalgia
Anuria
Dysuria
Polyuria
disease of the kidney
inability of the kidney to perform its function
presence of high levels of urea in the blood (result of renal failure)
swelling as a result of fluid accumulation in the body
high level of protein in the urine
low level of protein in the blood
inflammation of the kidney
dropping down of the kidney into the pelvic area (floating kidney)
stone in the kidney
stone in the ureter
stone in the urinary bladder
bleeding from the urethra
narrowing of the urethra
inflammation of the urinary bladder
pain in the urinary bladder
condition of no urination
condition of difficult urination
condition of excessive urination
Diagnostic Procedures of the Urinary System
Term
Meaning
Urinalaysis
Bladder ultrasound
Cystoscopy
examination of a urine sample in lab for the presence of
abnormal elements
use of sound waves to visualize the urinary bladder
the process of visual examination of the inside of the bladder
using a cystoscope
Treatment Procedures of the Urinary System
Term
Meaning
Diuretics
Nephropexy
medication that increases urination
removal of waste products from the blood of patients who suffer from
renal failure
surgical fixation of a floating kidney
Nephrostomy
Nephrectomy
Renal Transplant
creating an opening in the kidney (to insert a catheter)
surgical removal or excision of the kidney
replacing a failed kidney with a healthy kidney from a donor
Dialysis