Urinary System

Urinary System

Definition of Urinary System

• The urinary system (renal system) removes waste, maintains electrolyte balance, regulates blood pressure, and produces hormones.

Anatomy

1. Kidneys (2): Filter blood, regulate fluid, electrolytes, acid-base balance, and produce hormones (erythropoietin, renin).
2. Ureters (2): Transport urine to the bladder via peristalsis.
3. Bladder: Stores urine (300–500 mL capacity).
4. Urethra: Excretes urine.
   • Male (20 cm): Passes through prostate.
   • Female (4 cm): Higher UTI risk.

Functions

1. Filtration and Excretion: Removes waste (urea, creatinine).
2. Balance: Regulates fluids, electrolytes, and pH.
3. Blood Pressure Regulation: Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS).
4. Hormone Production:
   • Erythropoietin: Stimulates RBC production.
   • Vitamin D Activation: Enhances calcium absorption.
5. Urine Formation:
   • Filtration: Forms filtrate.
   • Reabsorption: Recovers water, glucose, and electrolytes.
   • Secretion: Eliminates waste.

Common Disorders

1. Kidney Disorders:

   • CKD: Gradual loss of function.
   • AKI: Sudden decline in function.
   • Stones (Nephrolithiasis): Mineral deposits.
   • Glomerulonephritis: Glomerular inflammation.
   • PKD: Genetic cystic disorder.

2. Bladder Disorders:

   • UTI: Bacterial infection.
   • Interstitial Cystitis: Chronic inflammation.
   • Bladder Cancer: Abnormal growth.
   • Incontinence: Loss of control.

3. Urethral Disorders:

   • Urethritis: Inflammation, often infection-related.
   • Stricture: Narrowing causing urinary difficulty.

Symptoms

• Painful Urination (Dysuria).
• Blood in Urine (Hematuria).
• Frequent Urination (Polyuria/Nocturia).
• Reduced Output (Oliguria/Anuria).
• Proteinuria: Indicates kidney damage.

Diagnosis

1. Urinalysis: Detects blood, protein, and infections.
2. Blood Tests: BUN, creatinine, electrolytes assess function.
3. Imaging: Ultrasound, CT, MRI identify stones or abnormalities.
4. Special Tests:
   • Cystoscopy: Bladder inspection.
   • Biopsy: Kidney tissue analysis.

Treatment

1. Medications:

   • Antibiotics:
   • Diuretics: Fluid overload.
   • Analgesics: Pain relief.
   • Antihypertensives: BP control.
   • Erythropoietin: Stimulates RBCs.

2. Procedures and Surgery:

   • Dialysis: Blood filtration in kidney failure.
   • Lithotripsy: Breaks kidney stones.
   • Nephrectomy: Kidney removal (cancer).
   • Transplant: For end-stage failure.

Prevention

• Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet.
• Avoid smoking and excess alcohol.
• Maintain BP and blood sugar control.
• Practice hygiene to prevent infections.
• Routine check-ups for early detection.

Prognosis

• Acute Disorders: Often reversible.
• Chronic Conditions: May need lifelong management, dialysis, or transplant.
• Early Detection: Improves outcomes and reduces complications.

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