Question

URINARY SYSTEM

(A) Discuss the anatomy urinary system and include one usual abnormal finding

(B) Discuss the physiology of the nephrons (kidneys) and include one usual abnormal finding

(C) Discuss the A&P of the urinary bladder and include one usual abnormal finding

(D) Discuss the mechanisms of urinary flow obstruction from kidneys to urethra

Answer 1

A) Anatomy of urine:

Urinary system also called as renal system functions to eliminate waste from the body, regulate blood volume and blood pressure, control levels of electrolytes and metabolites, and regulate blood pH. The organs of urinary system include a pair of kidneys, renal pelvis, set of ureters, bladder and urethra. Ureters are narrow tubes that transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder. Kidneys are bean shaped structure with convex lateral margin, and a concave medial margin along with renal sinus, renal helium and renal pelvis. Bladder is located on the lower abdomen which is a hollow organ and triangle in shape. Urethra helps in excretion outside of the body when bladder muscles contracts and sphincter muscles relax. Renal hypodysplasia is under developed or missing of kidney.

B) Physiology of kidney include homeostasis of pH, fluid balance, pressure and regualtion of various salts and ions and absorption of micro and macro molecules. It also contribute fir secretion of various hormones. The function of kidney begins with the functional unit called as nephron. Blood flows into each nephron via afferent arteriole which transport to high-pressure capillary bed called the glomerulus which then filter via filtrate. Proximal end contains Bowman's capsule which form filtrate which then travels through the rest of the tubule to the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT), loop of Henle and distal convoluted tubule (DCT). Chronic urinary retention is most common abnormality in the physiology of nephron.

C) Bladder is a pear shaped organ and when it fills with urine becomes oval. In the gross anatomy, bladder consist of broad fundus, a body, an apex, and a neck. The urine formed by kidney is moved to bladder via uretus and stored before eliminated. It opens at the urethral orifice at the neck of the bladder. Bladder leiomyoma is an unusual finding and commonly presents with urinary obstruction or pain.

D) Urinary flow obtruction occurs due to intrinsic or extrinsic mechanical blockade and also associated with fixed occlusion of the urinary drainage system due to functional defects. Mechanical obstruction can occur anywhere from the renal calyces to the external urethral meatus. Phyical cauase of the obstruction due to renal caliculi or tumor. BPH is more prevalent in older men along with other causes such as strictures of the ureter or urethra that develop after radiation therapy, or surgery in the urinary tract.