The organs of the urinary system are the kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra. This system functions to remove waste products from the bloodstream. These waste products are excreted from the body in the form of urine. Nephrons are microscopic structures within the kidneys that filter blood, remove waste products, and form urine.
Outline
The Kidneys
Urine Formation
The Ureters, Urinary Bladder, and Urethra
Learning Outcomes
After completing Chapter 30, you will be able to:
30.1 Describe the structure, location, and functions of the kidney.
30.2 Define the term nephron and describe its structure.
30.3 Explain how nephrons filter blood and form urine.
30.4 List substances normally found in urine.
30.5 Describe the locations, structures, and functions of the ureters, bladder, and urethra.
30.6 Explain how urination is controlled.
30.7 Describe the causes, signs and symptoms, and treatments of various diseases and disorders of the urinary system.
Summary
The kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra work together to remove waste products from the blood. The nephrons of the kidneys are involved in filtering the blood and urine formation. The ureters, bladder, and urethra are responsible for eliminating urine from the body. The kidneys also play an important role in regulating blood cell production by producing the hormone erythropoietin to stimulate the red bone marrow to produce red blood cells. They also help to control blood pressure by producing the hormone renin, which helps regulate blood pressure. Knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the urinary system is important when collecting urine specimens, performing urinary testing, and assisting with cystoscopy.
