QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Components of the urinary system
kidneys → ureters → bladder → urethra
(prostate if male)
kidneys
-produce urine
-2 bean shaped organs located in middle back below rib cage
-divided into outer cortex and inner medulla
medulla contains
renal pyramids and renal columns
excretory duct system
-transports urine
-include ureter, renal pelvis, major calyces, and minor calyces
ureter
delivers urine into bladder
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, renal pelvis
expanded upper portion of the ureter
major calyx
subdivisions of renal pelvis
minor calyx
subdivisions of major calyces, into which renal papillae (renal pyramids) discharge
bladder
-stores urine
-discharges urine into urethra
-anatomic configuration of bladder and ureters prevents reflux of urine into ureters
urethra
conveys urine from the bladder for excretion
function #1 of the kidney
excrete waste products of food metabolism
-CO2 and H2O from carb and fat metabolism
-urea and other acids from protein metabolism
urea can only be excreted by the kidneys
function #2 of the kidney
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