Anatomy and Physiology of the Urinary System

The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste products, excess water, and electrolytes from the blood, forming urine.

The ureters are tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.

The urinary bladder is a muscular organ that stores urine until it is released from the body.

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) is responsible for regulating the reabsorption of water in the kidneys, thus controlling urine output.

The urethra is a tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.

The proximal convoluted tubule is responsible for reabsorbing essential nutrients and water from the filtrate.

The loop of Henle is responsible for concentrating urine by reabsorbing water and electrolytes.

The distal convoluted tubule is responsible for fine-tuning the composition of urine by reabsorbing or secreting ions and water.

The collecting duct is responsible for collecting and transporting urine to the renal pelvis.

Oxytocin is responsible for stimulating the contraction of the bladder muscles during urination.

Incontinence is the name of the condition characterized by the inability to control urination.

Urge incontinence is caused by an overactive bladder, leading to sudden and frequent urges to urinate.

Stress incontinence is the condition in which urine leaks during coughing, laughing, or physical exertion.

Overflow incontinence is caused by an inability to completely empty the bladder, leading to frequent dribbling of urine.

Polyuria is the condition in which urine is produced in excessive amounts.