The Urinary System Lesson 13, Page 1 of 6

Overview of Lesson 13

1. Anatomy of the Urinary System
2. Urinary Tract Disease
   1. Urinary Tract Stones
   2. Urinary Tract Infections
   3. Urinary Incontinence
3. Preventative and Conservative Care for the Urinary System
4. Nutritional Support for the Urinary System
5. The Prostate Gland
6. Conclusion
7. Word Review List
8. Urinary System Flow Chart
9. Urinary System Product List
10. Assignment
11. Self-Evaluation

Anatomy of the Urinary System

The urinary system consists of the two kidneys, the bladder and the adjoining tubes. Urine produced in the kidneys passes through the ureters to the bladder where it is stored until it is evacuated. It is then expelled from the body through a single tube called the urethra.

The kidneys are the filters of the blood. Every minute, one-fourth of the body's blood—approximately 1200 ml—passes through the kidneys. Each kidney is composed of about one million microscopic filters called nephrons. These nephrons are responsible for eliminating toxins and waste materials from the blood, and for maintaining the electrolyte balance by selectively eliminating some electrolytes while retaining others, according to the body's needs. The kidneys also help regulate other bodily functions by secreting the hormones renin, erythropoietin, and prostaglandins. Renin helps control blood pressure and erythropoietin stimulates the body to produce more red blood cells.

Which one of the following is true?

The bladder filters the blood producing urine.
The purpose of the kidneys is to store the urine until it is evacuated.
The kidneys filter the blood producing urine, which is stored in the bladder until it is evacuated.

(Select the best answer and click on the "Continue" button.)

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