Bladder Storage
The bladder plays a vital role in the urinary system by storing urine until it is ready to be expelled from the body. This muscular, balloonshaped organ expands as urine fills it, signaling the brain when it’s time to empty.
Function of the Bladder:
Stores urine until elimination Coordinates with the brain to control voiding
Components of the Bladder:
Detrusor muscle: Contracts to expel urine Trigone: Area that helps prevent reflux of urine into the ureters
The intricate coordination between the brain and the bladder allows for efficient storage of urine until it is convenient to empty via the urethra.
Kidneys Filtration
The kidneys are the filtration powerhouses of the urinary system, continually processing blood to eliminate waste and excess fluids while maintaining chemical balance.
Function of the Kidneys:
Filter blood to remove waste Regulate fluid and electrolyte balance in the body
Components of the Kidneys:
Renal cortex and medulla: Regions where filtration and reabsorption occur Nephrons: Functional units responsible for blood filtration
The kidneys work tirelessly to ensure that the body’s internal environment remains stable and free of harmful substances.
Ureters Transport
The ureters are narrow tubes that transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder, ensuring a unidirectional flow to prevent backflow.
Function of the Ureters:
Transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder Prevent the reflux of urine back into the kidneys
Components of the Ureters:
Smooth muscle: Contracts to propel urine forward Ureterovesical junction: Connection point to the bladder
The rhythmic contractions of the ureter walls help push urine towards the bladder for storage until it is ready to be expelled.
Urethra Expulsion
The urethra serves as the final pathway for urine to exit the body, allowing for controlled release through the urinary meatus.
Function of the Urethra:
Expel urine from the bladder to the outside Assist in the voluntary control of urination
Components of the Urethra:
External urethral sphincter: Muscle that controls urine flow Urinary meatus: Opening through which urine exits the body
The intricate coordination of the bladder, kidneys, ureters, and urethra ensures the efficient removal of waste and excess fluids from the body.
