MODULE #17 (URINARY SYSTEM)
How does the urinary system work?
● The urinary system's function is to filter blood and create urine as a waste
by-product.
● The organs of the urinary system include the kidneys, renal pelvis, ureters,
bladder and urethra
● The body converts food into energy, leaving waste products in the bowel and
blood.
● The kidneys help eliminate liquid waste (urea) and maintain balance of chemicals
like potassium, sodium, and water. Urea is produced when proteins are broken
down and is removed through urine.
Other important functions of the kidneys include blood pressure regulation and the production of erythropoietin, which controls red
blood cell production in the bone marrow. Kidneys also regulate the acid-base
balance and conserve fluids.
Kidney and urinary system parts and their functions
● Two kidneys.
This pair of purplish-brown organs is located below the ribs toward the middle of the
back. Their function is to:
o Remove waste products and drugs from the body
o Balance the body's fluids
o Release hormones to regulate blood pressure
o Control production of red blood cells
The kidneys filter urea from the blood using nephrons, which consist of a glomerulus
(a ball of tiny blood capillaries) and a renal tubule. Urea, water, and waste substances form urine as they pass through the nephrons
and renal tubules.
Ureters: These narrow tubes carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. Muscles in the ureter walls push urine downward. If urine
backs up, a kidney infection can occur. Small amounts of urine are released into the bladder every 10 to 15 seconds.
Bladder: A triangle-shaped organ in the lower abdomen that stores urine. Its walls relax to store urine and contract to empty it
through the urethra. A healthy adult bladder can hold up to two cups of urine for 2 to 5 hours.
Bladder Landmarks:
● Trigone: Triangle-shaped area near the junction of the urethra and bladder.
● Right and Left Lateral Walls: The walls on either side of the trigone.
● Posterior Wall: The back wall of the bladder.
● Dome: The roof of the bladder.
Sphincter Muscles: Circular muscles that prevent urine leakage by tightly closing around the bladder opening.
Nerves in the Bladder: These nerves alert the brain when it's time to urinate.
Urethra: A tube through which urine exits the body. The brain sends signals to the bladder muscles to squeeze urine out while
relaxing the sphincter muscles, allowing normal urination.
Facts about urine
● Normal, healthy urine is a pale straw or transparent yellow color.
● Darker yellow or honey colored urine means you need more water.
● A darker, brownish color may indicate a liver problem or severe dehydration.
● Pinkish or red urine may mean blood in the urine.
MODULE #17 (URINARY SYSTEM)
Urinary System Pathologies:
Common Diseases and Disorders Diseases of the kidneys or bladder can compromise urinary system functions.
● Kidney Stones:
○ Form when mineral and acid salts in urine crystallize and stick together.
○ Small stones can pass through the urinary system, but larger ones may get stuck, causing pain and blocking urine
flow.
● Urinary Incontinence (UI):
○ Occurs when the sphincter muscles of the urethra are too weak or too active.
○ Weak sphincter muscles can cause leakage with a cough or sneeze.
○ Overactive sphincter muscles can trigger sudden, strong urges to urinate, even with little urine in the bladder.
○ More common in women and increases with age.
Fluid-filled Cysts in the Kidneys:
● Simple Kidney Cyst: A rounded, fluid-filled pouch in the kidney.
● Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD):
○ Multiple cysts form in the kidneys, replacing normal tissue.
○ Kidneys enlarge and lose function, leading to kidney failure over time.
○ PKD is inherited and may require dialysis or a kidney transplant.
● Acquired Cystic Kidney Disease (ACKD):
○ Affects people already on dialysis due to chronic kidney disease (CKD).
○ The kidneys do not enlarge, and symptoms are typically absent.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD):
● CKD occurs when the kidneys are damaged and cannot filter blood effectively.
● Waste builds up in the body, potentially leading to kidney failure.
● Common causes include diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
● A diseased kidney may appear smaller with a granular surface.
Diseases and Disorders of the Urinary System
Bladder Diseases:
● Cystitis: Inflammation of the bladder, often due to infection.
● Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Infection in any part of the urinary system, including the bladder.
● Urinary Incontinence (UI): Loss of bladder control.
● Interstitial Cystitis: Chronic inflammation of the bladder wall, leading to discomfort and urgency.
Diagnostic Tests:
● Urine Tests: To detect infections, blood, or other abnormalities.
● X-rays: To identify structural issues in the bladder or urinary system.
● Cystoscopy: A procedure using a camera to examine the bladder and urethra.
Treatment:
● Medications: Antibiotics, pain relievers, or medications to manage symptoms.
● Surgery: In cases of severe or persistent conditions, surgery may be required.
Kidney Damage:
● Risk Factors:
○ Diabetes (Diabetic Nephropathy): High blood sugar damages kidneys over time.
○ High Blood Pressure: Puts stress on the kidneys, leading to damage.
○ Family History: Genetic factors may increase the risk of kidney disease.
● Kidney Damage:
○ End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD): The final stage of chronic kidney disease, where kidneys no longer function and
require dialysis or a transplant.
○ Renal Failure: Complete or near-complete loss of kidney function, which can result from chronic disease or acute
injury.
Kidney Stones (Nephrolithiasis)
Symptoms of Kidney Stones:
● Back or side pain that won’t go away: Intense, sharp pain, often described as renal colic.
● Blood in urine (hematuria): Urine may appear pink, red, or brown.
● Fever and chills: Sign of infection, potentially associated with urinary tract infection (UTI).
● Vomiting: Pain from kidney stones can trigger nausea and vomiting.
● Urine that smells bad and looks cloudy: Often associated with infection or the presence of stones.
● Burning pain when urinating: Can occur if the stone is near the bladder or causing an obstruction.
MODULE #17 (URINARY SYSTEM)
Treatment for Kidney Failure:
1. Dialysis:
● A medical treatment to filter waste, salt, and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys can no longer do so effectively.
There are two main types of dialysis:
2. Hemodialysis:
● Blood is drawn out of the body, filtered through a machine (dialyzer), and then returned to the body. This process is usually
done in a clinic or hospital 3-4 times a week.
3. Peritoneal Dialysis:
● Uses the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum) as a natural filter. A special fluid is introduced into the abdomen through
a catheter, where it absorbs waste products. The fluid is then drained out and replaced.
4. Kidney Transplantation:
● A surgical procedure where a healthy kidney from a donor is placed into a person with kidney failure. This is the preferred
treatment when possible as it offers a better quality of life and a more permanent solution.
Types of Kidney Transplants:
○ Most Common Type: Living donor kidney transplant or deceased donor kidney transplant.
● Sources of Kidney Transplants:
○ Living Related Donor: A family member (e.g., sibling, parent) donates a kidney.
○ Living Unrelated Donor: A person who is not related to the recipient donates a kidney.
○ Deceased Donor: A kidney is donated by a person who has recently died, usually from brain death or other causes,
and the kidneys are harvested for transplant.