The Urinary System

The overall function of the urinary system is to produce and drain urine, removing waste products and regulating the blood's fluid balance. The entire urinary system is located behind the digestive tract.

 

The urinary system consists of:

• Two kidneys
• Two ureters
• Bladder
• Urethra

The kidneys are two bean-shaped structures that continuously filter the blood, removing waste products and excess water, and balancing fluids and electrolytes. This filtering process results in the production of urine.

 

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

 

The bladder has a dual function. It is both a reservoir that stores urine and a pump that expels urine from the body. The muscle in the bladder wall pushes the urine out.

 

The urethra is a duct connecting the bladder to the outside of the body.