Urinary

System
PART I: ANATOMY OF THE URINARY
SYSTEM AND MICTURITION

Chapter 15 Learning
Outcomes
Describe the location and structural features of the kidneys.
Describe the structure of the nephron, cite the functions of
each nephron region, and outline the processes involved in
forming urine.
Trace the pathway of blood flow through a kidney, and
compare the pattern of blood flow in cortical nephrons and
juxtamedullary nephrons.
Discuss filtration, reabsorption, and secretion at each region
of the nephron and collecting system, and describe the
structures and functions of the renal corpuscle.
Describe how antidiuretic hormone (ADH) influences the
volume and concentration of urine.

Chapter 15 Learning
Outcomes
Summarize the major steps involved in reabsorbing water
and producing urine.
Describe the structures and functions of the ureters, urinary
bladder, and urethra, and explain the micturition reflex.
Explain what fluid and mineral balance means, and discuss
its importance for homeostasis.
Summarize the relationship between sodium and water in
maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance.
Explain the role of buffer systems in maintaining acid-base
balance and pH.
Explain the role of buffer systems in regulating the pH of the
intracellular fluid and the extracellular fluid.

Functions of the Urinary

System
Regulation of aspects of homeostasis
Water balance
Electrolytes
Acid-base balance in the blood
Blood pressure
Red blood cell production
Activation of vitamin D

Elimination of waste products

Nitrogenous wastes
Toxins
Drugs
What do our kidneys do?

Organs of the Urinary

System
Kidneys
Ureters
Urinary Bladder
Urethra

Kidneys
Located retroperitoneally
against dorsal body wall
Superior portion situated
behind 11th and 12th ribs
Right is slightly lower than
the left
Adrenal glands sit atop
kidneys
Renal hilum
Blood supply:
Renal artery
Renal vein

Kidneys
Three protective layers:
Renal fascia
Outer layer of connective
tissue
Encapsulates kidneys and
adrenal glands
Protects underlying tissues
Adipose tissue
Layer above and below the
fascia
Cushioning
Renal capsule
Fibrous connective tissue
Adheres to surface of
kidney
Protection from trauma,

Kidneys
A coronal slice shows
three main regions:
Renal cortex
Renal medulla
Renal pyramids
Renal columns
Renal pelvis
Minor calyces
Major calyces

Kidneys The Nephron

Functional unit of the
kidney
Composed of:
Renal corpuscle
Renal tubular system
Two main types (based
on location):
Cortical nephrons
Juxtamedullary
nephrons

Blood Supply through

the Kidney and
Nephron

Ureters
25 - 30 cm long tubes
Continuous with the renal
pelvis, and connect
kidneys to posterior
aspect of bladder
Three layers:
Outer fibrous layer
Smooth muscle
Inner mucous layer
Propel urine towards
bladder using?

Urinary Bladder
Smooth, collapsible,
muscular sac situated
posterior to the pubic
symphysis
Temporarily stores urine
Trigonetriangular
region of the urinary
bladder base
Three openings
In males, the prostate
surrounds the neck of
the urinary bladder

Urinary Bladder
Four layers:
Outer protective
layer
Muscular coat
Detrusor muscle
Submucous coat
Mucous coat
Transitional
epithelium

Urethra
Transports urine from bladder
externally
4 layers:
Outer connective tissue layer
Smooth muscle
Submucous coats
Inner mucous coat
Two sphincter muscles:
Internal urethral sphincter
External urethral sphincter
Difference between males and
females?

Micturition (Voiding)
Emptying of urinary bladder
Micturition reflex centre
located in sacral spine
Mechanism Involves:
Activation of stretch
receptors in bladder wall
Parasympathetic stimulation
of detrusor muscle
Relaxation of internal and
external urethral sphincter
What happens if urination is
not convenient???

Common Infections of
the Urinary System
Urethritis is inflammation of the urethra
Cystitis is bladder inflammation (Honeymoon
cystitis)
Pyelonephritis (pyelitis) is kidney inflammation