Unit 7: Energy, Maintenance, and Environmental Exchange: Respiratory and Urinary
System
HS 2211-01 -- Human Anatomy and Physiology - AY2022-T5
Written Assignment -- Unit 7
University of the People
Instructor: Dr. Omar Tawfik
Due date: Thursday, 4 August 2022, 06:55 am
Introduction
The urinary system removes the toxins and waste from our body and work together
with other organs to maintain homeostasis. It is also the major producer of erythropoietin
(EPO) that stimulates the production of red blood cells that is crucial in transporting oxygen
throughout the body. The main organ of the urinary system is the kidneys that is found on
either side of the spine in the retroperitoneal space. The kidneys have many blood vessels and
receives about 25% of cardiac output at rest. (Betts, et al., 2017). Problems can occur to the
urinary system that is coursed by clinical disorders. When the kidneys do not function
properly, they fail to remove waste and toxins effectively from the body which can damage
other organs. (Urologist.org, 2017). A common urinary system disorder is the urinary track
infections (UTI) that we will briefly discuss in this paper, but first let us discuss how the
urinary system functions.
How the Urinary System Functions
The urinary system is made-up of two kidneys, two sphincter muscles, the bladder,
and the urethra each with a specific function that enables secretion, excretion, and elimination
to take place in cooperation.
Kidneys: The kidneys are located on each side of the spine right under the rib and is
bean shaped size of a fist. Blood passes the kidneys through structure that act as filters
(nephrons) that removes waste from the blood and turn it into urine.
Ureters: The ureters are typically 8 -- 10 inches in length and is surrounded by muscle
that expand and contract and this helps urine flow to the bladder.
Bladder: Is a muscular organ that functions like a balloon. When the urine enters the
bladder from the ureters it is stored until it reaches its limit of expansion. An average
bladder can hold up to two cups of urine for about two to five hours.
Sphincter muscles: These muscles surround the opening of the bladder and contract
and expand to control the flow of urine from the bladder.
Urethra: This is the tube that connects the bladder and the genitals that allows urine
to exit the body. In male the urethra passes through the penis and in female it is above
the vaginal opening. There are nerves cells in the bladder that tells the brain when it is
full, and it is time to urinate. (Urologist.org, 2022)
Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)
Urinary tract infection is an infection that can be in any part of the urinary system,
and this includes the bladder, urethra, kidneys, and ureters. It can affect both male and
females although it is more common in females. The organs that are mostly infected are the
lower urinary tract which is the bladder and the urethra that is closer t