Class notes
BIOL 1303 Urinary System Notes
- Course
- BIOL 1303
- Institution
- University Of Houston - Downtown
This is a comprehensive and detailed note on the urinary system for Biol 1303. *Essential Study Material!!
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Urinary system: Organs
Kidneys
Ureters
Bladder
Urethra
Functions
Filtration of blood plasma
Reabsorption of essential substances
Secretion of nonessential substances
All help to maintain body homeostasis and maintain fluid and electrolyte balance
Kidney external anatomy:
Pair of reddish organs
Shaped like kidney beans, size of bar soap in adults
Found on each side of the vertebral column between peritoneum and back wall of
abdominal cavity at 12th thoracic and 1st - 3rd lumbar vertebrae
11th and 12th pair of ribs protect superior portion of kidneys
Right kidney is slightly lower than left, due to liver occupying more space on the right
Encapsulated in renal capsule
Smooth, transparent connective tissue sheath
Maintains shape of kidney
Protects against trauma
Adipose capsule surrounds renal capsule
Cushions kidney (more trauma protection)
Together with thin layer of dense connective tissue, anchors kidney to posterior
abdominal wall
,Kidney functions:
Regulation of blood volume
Return water to blood
Eliminate water in urine
Regulation of blood pressure
, Secrete renin enzyme
Regulation of blood composition and blood pH
Regulate blood ion levels
Regulate blood pH by regulating hydrogen ion (H+) and bicarbonate ion (HCO3-)
concentrations in the blood
Production of two hormones
Calcitriol (active form of vitamin D)
Regulates calcium homeostasis
Erythropoietin
Stimulates production of red blood cells
Excretion of wastes
Urine takes out metabolic wastes such as ammonia, urea, bilirubin, creatinine,
uric acid
Urine takes out foreign substances such as drugs and environmental toxins
Kidney internal anatomy:
Two main regions
Renal cortex
Receives majority of blood supply
Renal medulla
Contains tubules that collect and concentrate filtrate fluid to become
urine
Kidney internal anatomy:
Renal pelvis
Minor calyx
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