Urinary System Study Guide
Anatomy
ADH (Antidiuretic hormone) and Aldosterone – two hormones that control urine
production
Adrenal Glands - located directly above the kidneys and divided into the cortex
and medulla
- Medulla - inner layer of the kidney
- Pyramids - triangular-shaped divisions of the medulla of the kidney
Bladder - a hollow muscular sac that stores and aids in the elimination of urine.
- capable of great expansion
Kidneys – remove toxic waste from cells preventing poisoning
Nephron – functional unit of kidney
- houses Bowman's Capsule, Proximal Convoluted Tubule, and Loop of Henle
Bowman’s Capsule - double-walled capsule surrounding the glomerulus
- Loop of Henle - cluster of capillaries surrounded by Bowman's capsule
- Glomerulus – functions to filter substances from the blood
Pelvic Cavity – location of urinary bladder
Ureter- tubes connecting the kidneys and bladder
- How urine leaves the kidney
Urethra - tube leading from the bladder to the outside of the body
Urinary meatus - opening of the urethra to the outside of the body
Urinary System- function is to remove waste products from the body.
Urine Flow – Glomerulus, Bowman’s Capsule, Proximal Convoluted Tubule, Loop
of Henle, Distal Convoluted Tubules, Collecting Tubule
Definitions
Dehydration – loss of body fluids. S/s is dark amber-colored urine and voiding
very small amounts.
E-Coli – can cause dysuria, urinary frequency and lower abdominal discomfort
from improper hygiene
Filtration – removes waste and excess water. Beginning of urine formation
Pyuria – pus in urine
Reabsorption – During urine formation useful substances filter out of the renal
tubules and back into the capillaries around the tubules
- the proximal convoluted tubules are responsible for correcting the water
imbalance during dehydration
- affects the release of ADH
Secretion – process of urinary function where excessive substances in urinary
filtrate, such as sodium and potassium, lead to their elimination
Renin – diuretic BP med causes increase urinary frequency
Diseases/Conditions
Anuria – absence of urine treated with Hemodialysis
Acute Renal failure – temporary loss of kidney function
- Oliguria – below normal amounts of urination. Early sign of acute renal
failure
Chronic Renal Failure - gradual loss of nephron function
Cystitis - Inflammation of the bladder commonly caused by E-coli bacteria
E-Coli – can cause dysuria, urinary frequency and lower abdominal
discomfort from improper hygiene
Dysuria – painful voiding.
Enuresis – bedwetting common in small children
Hematuria – RBC are present in urine result of ineffective Filtration
- eg. kidney trauma
Hemodialysis - treatment for kidney failure.
- blood passes through a semipermeable membrane to rid the body of
wastes.
- Replaces kidney filtration function
Incontinence - unintentional wetting of pants
Kidney Transplant – BEST treatment for renal failure
- main complication is rejection
Lithotripsy – uses shockwaves to break up renal calculi.
Nephritis –Inflammation of the kidney tissue and renal pelvis causes pyuria (pus)
Polyuria – excessive urination from drinking lots of fluids
Renal Calculi – aka kidney stones
- s/s severe flank pain, chills, hematuria
- large stones block the ureter