USR - Module Overview
Urinary System and Regulation
Introduction

The urinary system can be compared to a scientist's laboratory. This system consists of tubes, collecting ducts, and storage containers to describe a few of the components. It is also responsible for the extraction of waste products, made by the work of other body systems, from the blood. On top of that, it contributes to the regulation of specific chemical ions to maintain a healthy body. Now, let's delve deeper into the exploration of the structure and function of the urinary system.
Essential Questions
- What are the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the urinary system?
- What organs make up the urinary system?
- Where are urinary organs located?
- What are the parts of the kidney?
- How is blood filtered inside the kidney?
- What is the kidney's role in homeostasis?
- What conditions affect the function of the urinary system?
- How are the components of the urinary system impacted by the aging process?
Key Terms
- Bladder - A hollow muscular sac located in the pelvic region that serves for the temporary retention of urine
- Kidney - One of a pair of bean-shaped organs situated in the body cavity near the spinal column
- Ureter - One of a pair of muscular tubes, approximately 16 inches long, that carry urine from the kidney to the bladder
- Urethra - The tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body
- Excretion - The process of eliminating a waste product from the body
- Glomerulus - The first part of the nephron consisting of a cluster of capillaries
- Medulla - The inner section of the kidney containing collection tubules to transport urine from the nephrons through the kidney
- Nephron - Filtering units located in the kidney
- Urinary system - The organs of the urinary tract comprising the kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra
- Urine - Waste material that is secreted by the kidney
- Hilum - The indented part of a kidney through which the ureter, nerves, blood vessels, and lymph vessels enter and leave the kidney
- Cortex - The outer section of the kidney
- Micturition - The act of urination
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