Key Terms
Bladder-
The bladder is a hollow, muscular sac that lies behind the symphysis pubis and at the midline of the pelvic cavity.
Homeostasis-
a state of equilibrium or constant state of natural balance in the internal environment of the body.
renal pelvis-
the renal pelvis of each kidney to the bladder. Peristalsis (a rhythmic, wavelike motion of muscle) moves the urine through the ureter from the kidney to the bladder.
Urine-
then enters collecting ducts, or tubules, located in the medulla.
Bowman's capsule-
The Bowman's capsule is a C-shaped structure that surrounds the glomerulus and i It picks up the materials filtered from the blood in the glomerulus and passes them into the convoluted tubule.
Kidneys-
are two bean-shaped organs located on either side of the vertebral column, behind the upper part of the abdominal cavity, and separated from this cavity by the peritoneum. Their location is often described as retroperitoneal. The kidneys are protected by the ribs and a heavy cushion of fat
Ureters-
The ureters are two muscular tubes approximately 10-12 inches in length. One extends from the renal pelvis of each kidney to the bladder.
void-
Although the urge to void (urinate or micturate) occurs when the bladder contains approximately 250 milliliters (mL) (1 cup) of urine, the bladder can hold much more
Cortex-
The cortex is the outer section of the kidney
Medulla-
The medulla is the inner section of the kidney. It contains most of the collecting tubules, which carry the urine from the nephrons through the kidney.
Urethra-
The urethra is the tube that carries the urine from the bladder to the outside. The external opening is called the urinary meatus. The urethra is different in female individuals and male individuals
excretory system-
the excretory system, is responsible for removing certain wastes and excess water from the body and for maintaining the body's acid-base or pH balance
Nephrons-
are microscopic filtering units located in the kidneys. There are more than one million nephrons per kidney.
urinary meatus-
When it is caused by a bacterial infection, it is called a urinary tract infection (UTI)
Hilum-
a notched or indented area through which the ureter, nerves, blood vessels, and lymph vessels enter and leave the kidney.
Glomerulus-
the glomerulus, which is a cluster of capillaries. As blood passes through the glomerulus, water, mineral salts, glucose (sugar), metabolic products, and other substances are filtered out of the blood. Red blood cells and proteins are not filtered out. The filtered blood leaves the glomerulus and eventually makes its way to the renal vein, which carries it away from the kidney.
urinary system-
The urinary system, also known as the excretory system, is responsible for removing certain wastes and excess water from the body and for maintaining the body's acid-base or pH balance