Identify, on diagrams, the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra and state the function of each (the function of the kidney should be described simply as removing urea and excess salts and water from the blood as urine)

Sourav PanNovember 3, 2024

Answered step-by-step

The urinary system consists of several key components: the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Each plays a vital role in the excretion of waste products and the regulation of bodily fluids.

Kidneys

• Location: The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located on either side of the spine, just below the rib cage.
• Function: The primary function of the kidneys is to remove urea, excess salts, and water from the blood, which are excreted as urine. They filter blood through tiny units called nephrons, where waste products are separated from useful substances and reabsorbed back into the bloodstream as needed.

Ureters

• Location: Two ureters are narrow tubes that extend from each kidney to the bladder.
• Function: The ureters transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder. They have muscular walls that contract rhythmically to push urine downward, preventing backflow and ensuring that urine moves efficiently towards storage in the bladder.

Bladder

• Location: The bladder is a hollow, muscular organ located in the lower abdomen.
• Function: The bladder stores urine until it is ready to be excreted. Its walls can expand to hold up to about 2 cups of urine for several hours. When full, nerve signals prompt the bladder muscles to contract, pushing urine out through the urethra.

Urethra

• Location: The urethra is a tube that connects the bladder to the outside of the body.
• Function: The urethra allows urine to exit the body during urination. It is controlled by sphincter muscles that help prevent leakage until it is appropriate to release urine.