Kidneys
maintain fluid and electrolyte balance through removal of waste from the blood to form urine, affect calcium and phosphate regulation
bladder
reservoir for urine until the urge to urinate develops
ureters
transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder
Urethra
urine travels from the bladder and exits through the urethral meatus
urinary system organs
adrenal gland, right kidney, ureters, orifices of ureters, urethra, left kidney, bladder, trigone
renal nephron
glomerulus, afferent renal artery, bowman's capsule, loop of Henle, distal convoluted tubules, collecting duct
Erythropoietin
essential to maintain normal RBC volume; stimulates bone marrow to produce RBC's and prolong life of RBC's
affects blood pressure
production of renin, prostaglandin E2 and prostacyclin
renin
starts a chain of events that cause water retention, thereby increasing blood volume
aid in vasodilation
Prostaglandin E2 and prostacyclin
voiding
bladder constriction+urethral sphincter and pelvic floor muscle reaction
factors that influence urination
Age, pregnancy diet, muscle tone, acute and chronic disorders, spinal cord injury, immobility, pain, surgery, medications and medical procedures, socioeconomic factors, psychological factors, fluid balance
urinary retention
an accumulation of urine due to the inability of the bladder to empty
urinary tract infection
an infection that may be caused by catheter insertion
urinary diversion
diversion of urine to external source