Basic Urinary system of human body | MPO training 5
Learn the basic urinary system of human body in this easy-to-understand guide. It’s made for future Medical Promotion Officer (MPO) learners and pharma job seekers.
Diagram: Urinary system diagram
You will discover how kidneys, bladder, and urine work together. This article makes complex things simple and clear. Build your basic medical knowledge step by step.
Table of content: Basic Urinary system of human body
What you will find in this blog-
- Introduction
- Basic Urinary system of human body
- Human Urinary System
- Kidney
- Structure of Nephron
- Activities in Kidney
- Ureters
- Urinary Bladder
- Urethra
- Urine Formation
- Disease of Urinary System
- Terms Used to Describe Difficulties in Urination
- Surgical Terms
- Medications used for urinary conditions
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction: Basic Urinary system of human body
The basic urinary system of human body removes waste and maintains fluid balance. It includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. This system helps the body stay clean and healthy. As a Medical Promotion Officer (MPO), you should know how each part works. Simple understanding makes it easier to explain drug actions to doctors.
Basic Urinary system of human body
| Serial | After studying this chapter, you will be able to: |
|---|---|
| 1 | Name the parts of the urinary system and discuss the function of each part |
| 2 | Define combining forms used in building words that relate to the urinary system |
| 3 | Identify the meaning of related abbreviations |
| 4 | Name the common diagnoses, clinical procedures, and laboratory tests used in treating disorders of the urinary system |
| 5 | List and define the major pathological conditions of the urinary system |
| 6 | Explain the meaning of surgical terms related to the urinary system |
| 7 | Recognize common pharmacological agents used in treating the urinary system |
Urinary System Definition & Components
The urinary system, also known as the renal system or urinary tract,
consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder and the urethra. It is the body's
drainage system for the eventual removal of urine.
Urine is formed in the kidneys through a filtration of blood. The urine is
then passed through the ureters to the bladder, where it is stored. During
urination, the urine is passed from the bladder through the urethra to the
outside of the body.
800-2000 ml of urine is normally produced every day in a healthy human. This
amount varies according to fluid intake and kidney function.
Purpose of Urinary System
- Eliminate waste from the body.
- regulate blood volume and blood pressure.
- Control levels of electrolytes and metabolites.
- Regulate blood pH.
Human Urinary System
- Two Kidneys
- Two Ureters
- One Urinary Bladder
- One Urethra
Diagram: Human Urinary system diagram
Kidney
The kidneys are bean-shaped organs located in the retroperitoneal
portion of the abdominal cavity on either side of the vertebral column.
Two Primary Functions of Kidney:
- To form urine for excretion.
- To retain essential substances the body needs in the process called reabsorption.
* Kidneys filter about 1700 liters of blood daily in the average adult.
Structure of Kidney
There are three major regions of the kidney:
- Cortex
- Medulla
- Pelvis
Short Description:
1. Cortex:
- The Cortex is a space between the medulla and the outer capsule.
- The kidneys are surrounded by a cortex, a layer of tissue that is also covered by fascia (connective tissue) and the capsule.
- The cortex is granular tissue due to the presence of nephrons, the functional unit of the kidney, that are located deeper within the kidney, within the renal pyramids of the medulla.
- The cortex provides a space for arterioles and venules from the renal artery and vein, as well as the glomerular capillaries, to perfuse the nephrons of the kidney.
- Erythropoietin, a hormone necessary for the synthesis of new red blood cells, is also produced in the renal cortex.
2. Medulla:
- The medulla is the inner region of the parenchyma of the kidney.
- The medulla consists of multiple pyramidal tissue masses, called the renal pyramids, which are triangle structures that contain a dense network of nephrons.
3. Pelvis:
- The renal pelvis contains the hilium.
- The hilum is the concave part of the bean-shape where blood vessels and nerves enter and exit the kidney.
- It is also the point of exit for the ureters, the urine-bearing tubes that exit the kidney and empty into the urinary bladder.
- The renal pelvis connects the kidney to the rest of the body.
Structure of Nephron
At one end of each nephron, in the cortex of the kidney, is a cup-shaped
structure called the Bowman's capsule.
Diagram: Structure of Nephron diagram
It surrounds a tuft of capillaries called the glomerulus that carries blood
from the renal arteries into the nephron, where plasma is filtered through
the capsule.
Diagram: Structure of Nephron diagram1
After entering the capsule, the filtered fluid flows along the proximal
convoluted tubule to the loop of Henle and then to the distal convoluted
tubule and the collecting ducts, which flow into the ureter.
Diagram: Structure of Nephron diagram2
Each of the different components of the nephrons are selectively permeable
to different molecules, and enable the complex regulation of water and ion
concentrations in the body.
Activities in Kidney
* Urine is produced by filtration of: Water, salts, sugar, urea, creatinine,
uric acid Each kidney contains more than 1 million nephrons which are the
functional units of the kidneys.
* Blood Flow through the Kidneys:
- Blood enters through the renal artery - arterioles - arteriole - nephron - renal corpuscle-glomerulus.
* The glomerulus filters fluid from the blood and is the first place where
urine is formed in the kidneys.
* Blood flows through the glomerulus at a constant rate.
Diagram: Activities in Kidney diagram
* Each glomerulus is surrounded by a capsule known as Bowman's capsule.
* Blood then passes into the renal tubules where some substances are
reabsorbed and the remaining become urine.
Ureters
A tube approximately 6 to 7 inches long attached to each kidney.
Diagram: Ureters diagram
Made up of three layers of tissue:
- Smooth Muscle
- Fibrous Tissue
- Mucous Layer
Peristalsis, a rhythmic contraction of the ureter smooth muscle which
helps to move the urine into the bladder.
Urinary Bladder
* Hollow, muscular organ that stores urine.
* Sphincter muscles hold the urine in place.
Diagram: Urinary Bladder diagram
* Holds 300 to 400 milliliters of urine before emptying.
* Walls contain epithelial tissue that stretch to allow the bladder to
hold twice its capacity.
* The trigone is a triangular area at the base of the bladder where the
ureters enter and the urethra exits.
Urethra
A tube of smooth muscle with a mucous lining that carries urine from the
bladder to the outside of the body. Excreting urine is called voiding or
micturition.
Male Urethra:
- Approximately 8 Inches Long
-
Passes Through Three Different Regions:
- Prostate Gland
- Membranous Portion
- Penis
Female Urethra:
- Approximately 1.5 inches long.
- Opens through the meatus.
Urine Formation
Diagram: Urine Formation diagram
Disease of Urinary System
Inflammatory & Infectious Disorders:
- Urinary Tract Infection
- Glomerulonephritis
- Nephroblastoma
- Hydronephrosis
- Nephrosis
- Cystitis
- Nephritis
- Polycystic kidney disease
Terms Used to Describe Difficulties in Urination
| Enuresis: | No urinary output. |
| Dysuria: | Painful urination. |
| Enuresis: | Lack of bladder control. |
| Polyuria: | Excessive urination. |
| Incontinence: | Involuntary discharge of urine or feces. |
| Oliguria: | Scanty urination. |
Surgical Terms
- Nephrectomy- removal of a kidney.
- Ureterectomy- removal of a ureter.
- Cystectomy- removal of the bladder.
- Nephrolysis - Removal of an adhesion in the kidney.
- Nephrolithotomy - Removal of a kidney stone.
Surgical repair procedures:
- Pyeloplasty- repair of the renal pelvis.
- Cystoplasty- repair of the bladder.
- Urethroplasty- repair of the urethra.
- Pyeloplasty- repair of the renal pelvis.
- Cystoplasty - repair of the bladder.
- Urethroplasty - repair of the urethra.
- A urostomy is the creation of an artificial opening in the abdomen through which urine exits the body.
- Nephropexy - Surgical fixation of the kidney.
- Nephrorrhaphy - Suturing of a damaged kidney.
Medications used for urinary conditions
| Relieve Pain | (Analgesic) |
| Relieve Spasms | (Antispasmodic) |
| Inhibit the growth of microorganisms | (Antibiotic) |
| Increase urine output | (Diuretic) |
| Decrease urine output | (Antidiuretic) |
FAQs
Q) What is the urinary system and why is it important for MPOs to learn?
A) The urinary system removes waste and excess fluid from the body. For
MPOs, knowing this system helps explain how certain drugs affect the kidneys
and urine flow.
Q) Which organs are included in the human urinary system?
A) The urinary system includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra.
Each plays a role in filtering blood and passing urine from the body.
Q) How does understanding the urinary system help in pharmaceutical sales?
A) It helps MPOs communicate how medicines work, especially those used for
kidney diseases, urinary infections, or diuretics, with clarity to doctors.
Q) What Does Blood pH Mean?
A) Blood pH measures how acidic or alkaline your blood is. The normal range
is 7.35 to 7.45 (slightly alkaline). Below 7.35 is called acidosis (too
acidic), and above 7.45 is alkalosis (too alkaline). Maintaining a balanced
pH is vital for healthy body function. Even small changes can affect organs
and metabolism.
Conclusion
Understanding the basic urinary system of human body is a great step in your MPO journey. You will learn how urine forms and flows through different organs. This knowledge helps you talk with doctors confidently about kidney-related medicines. It builds your trust and communication. So, learn the basics and move forward in your career.
Sarwar Hossain Himel
I am Sarwar Hossain Himel, I am a sports lover. Education: BBA & MBA in Accounting. Job: Medical Promotion Officer (MPO) & 5 years of teaching experience. Freelancing: Google blogger & Article Writer. Web Design is my passion.