HAP 3201: HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY (LEC)

08: URINARY SYSTEM

◆ External anatomy
● The concave medial border
of each kidney contains the
renal hilum, which is the
Overview of the Urinary System point of entry and exit for
➔ The kidney is retroperitoneal the renal vessels, nerves, and
◆ Components of the the ureter.
Urinary system
● The urinary system is
composed of two kidneys,
two ureters, one urinary
bladder, and one urethra

● The renal capsule is a layer

of fibrous connective tissue
that covers the outer surface
of each kidney.
● The adipose capsule is a
fatty layer that surrounds the
renal capsule and provides
cushioning and insulation
for the kidney.
Anatomy and Histology of the Kidneys ● The renal fascia is a dense
layer of connective tissue
that surrounds the adipose
capsule and helps anchor the
kidney to the surrounding
structures.
● The perirenal fat is a layer of
adipose tissue that lies
 between the renal fascia and
the parietal peritoneum.

◆ Internal anatomy

◆ Ureter- small tubes that

form from the narrowed renal
pelvis which exits the kidney and
connects to the urinary bladder
◆ The kidneys’ internal ➔ The Nephron
anatomy consist of three regions ◆ It is considered as the
namely: structural and functional units of
● The renal cortex is the the kidneys.
outermost layer of the ● Renal Corpuscle
kidney and contains the ○ Glomerulus-It is
glomeruli and proximal and responsible for allowing
distal convoluted tubules of large amounts of
the nephron. solute-rich but fluids that
● The renal medulla is the are also protein-free to
inner layer of the kidney and pass from the blood into
contains the renal pyramids, the glomerular capsule.
which consist of the loops of ○ Glomerular capsule-
Henle and collecting ducts completely surrounds the
of the nephron. glomerulus and it is
● Each renal pyramid drains continuous with its renal
into a minor calyx, which tubule.
then merges with other ● Descending limb of the
minor calyces to form larger nephron loop: Begins in
structures called major renal cortex and extends to
calyces. the renal medulla.
● The major calyces combine ● Ascending limb of the
to form the renal pelvis, nephron loop: This is where
which is a funnel-shaped it terminates at the distal
structure that collects urine convoluted tubule and
from the major calyces and makes the hairpin returns to
funnels it into the ureter. the renal cortex
● The renal arteries deliver ● Juxtamedullary nephrons:
blood to the kidneys, and the The other 15-20% of the
renal veins carry blood away nephrons.
from the kidneys. ◆ Histology of the Nephron
● The proximal convoluted
tubule is lined with brush
border cells that absorb
 nutrients and ions from the ◆ Nephron loop
filtrate. ● connects the proximal and
● The loop of Henle contains distal convoluted tubules.
descending and ascending ◆ Histology of renal
limbs, which play a role in corpuscles
establishing a concentration
gradient in the kidney.
● The distal convoluted tubule
is responsible for
reabsorption and secretion of
ions and maintaining the pH
balance of blood.
● The collecting duct receives
urine from several nephrons ● Macula densa- columnar
and plays a role in further tubule cells in renal region
concentrating the urine. that are are crowded together
◆ Glomerular Capsule: Has ● Juxtaglomerular cells
two layers which include the (JG)- Modified smooth
external parietal layer and muscle fibers located at the
visceral layer that clings to wall of the afferent arteriole.
glomerular capillaries. ● Juxtaglomerular
● Parietal layer: Simple apparatus- a structure of
squamous epithelium. Plays juxtaglomerular cells
no part in forming the (JG)and macula densa
filtrate but contributes to the formed together. Its main
capsule structure. function is to help regulate
● Visceral layer: Has highly blood pressure within the
modified, branching kidneys.
epithelial cells that are called ● Intercalated cells- helps in
the podocytes that also maintaining homeostasis of
clings to the glomerular blood pH.
capillaries.
○ Podocytes also have foot
processes, it clings to the Renal Physiology
glomerular' basement ❖ The three basic functions
membrane. performed by nephrons and
○ Filtration slits on the collecting ducts are
other hand are the glomerular filtration,
openings or clefts placed tubular reabsorption, and
between the foot tubular secretion.
processes.
○ The capsular space is ➔ Glomerular Filtration
where the filtrate enters ➢ Glomerular filtration is
inside the glomerular the process by which fluid
capsule through the slits. and solutes are filtered
◆ Renal tubule and from the blood into the
collecting duct: Has three major glomerular capsule of the
parts: Proximal convoluted nephron in the kidney.
tubule, nephron loop, and distal ➢ The glomerulus is a
convoluted tubule. network of capillaries
 with small pores that water, electrolytes (sodium,
allow for the filtration of potassium, calcium, and
small molecules. magnesium), glucose,
➢ The filtration membrane amino acids, and certain
consists of three layers: hormones.
the fenestrated ➢ The rate of tubular
endothelium, the reabsorption is regulated
basement membrane, by several factors,
and the podocytes. including the hormone
aldosterone, which
increases sodium
reabsorption, and
antidiuretic hormone
(ADH), which increases
water reabsorption.
➔ Tubular Secretion
● Tubular secretion is the
➢ Blood pressure in the process by which the
glomerulus is the main kidneys secrete substances
driving force for from the bloodstream into
filtration. the renal tubules for
➢ The glomerular excretion in the urine.
filtration rate (GFR) is ● The process involves the
the amount of filtrate transport of certain
produced by both kidneys substances, such as
per minute. hydrogen ions, potassium
◆ The Filtration Membrane ions, and creatinine, from
● The glomerular capillaries the blood into the tubular
and the podocytes form a fluid.
leaky barrier known as the ● Tubular secretion plays a
filtration crucial role in maintaining
(endothelial–capsular) the body's acid-base balance,
membrane. as well as in the elimination
➔ Tubular Reabsorption of drugs and other waste
➢ Tubular reabsorption is products from the body.
the process by which the ● The rate of tubular secretion
kidneys filter and absorb is regulated by several
substances from the blood factors, including hormonal
into the renal tubules. signals (such as aldosterone
➢ The process is and antidiuretic hormone)
accomplished by the actions and the pH of the blood.
of specialized cells in the Urine formation
walls of the tubules called ➔ Production of Dilute and
epithelial cells, which Concentrated Urine
selectively transport certain ● The homeostasis of body
substances from the tubular fluid volume depends on the
fluid back into the ability of the kidneys to
bloodstream. regulate the rate of water
➢ The main substances that loss in urine
are reabsorbed include Evaluation of kidney function
 ➔ Urinalysis contract in waves to propel
◆ Urinalysis involves urine down the ureter and
analyzing the volume as well as into the bladder. The
the physical, chemical, and muscular layer is also
microscopic properties of urine. capable of stretching to
➔ Blood Tests accommodate the volume of
◆ Blood tests such as the two urine passing through the
blood-screening tests provide ureter.
information about the function of ● Outer adventitia or serosa
the kidney. layer: This layer is
● Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) composed of connective
test measures the blood tissue that provides support
nitrogen which is caused by and protection to the ureter.
the deamination (removal of It also contains blood vessels
amino group from a and nerves that supply the
molecule) and catabolism ureter tissue.
(breakdown of complex
molecules) of amino acids. ➔ Functions of Ureter
● Measuring plasma
creatinine is also utilized to
evaluate kidney function,
production of plasma
creatinine results from
catabolism of creatine
phosphate in skeletal
muscle.
➔ Renal Plasma Clearance
◆ volume of blood that has
been “cleaned” or cleared of a ◆ The ureters are responsible
substance per unit of time. for transporting the urine from
Urine transportation, storage and renal pelvis to one kidney up
elimination until the urinary bladder.
➔ Anatomy and Histology of the ➔ Anatomy and Histology of the
Ureters Urinary Bladder
◆ Three layers of tissue that ◆ There are three coats that
form the wall of the ureters make up the wall of the urinary
● Inner mucosa layer: This bladder
layer is lined with ● the mucosa layer is made up
transitional epithelium cells of transitional epithelium,
that can stretch and which allows the bladder to
accommodate the movement stretch as it fills with urine.
of urine. The mucosa layer ● The muscular layer is
also contains a protective composed of smooth muscle
mucous layer that helps to and is responsible for
prevent damage to the ureter contracting to help expel
tissue from urine exposure. urine from the bladder.
● Middle muscular layer: ● The connective tissue layer
This layer is composed of provides support and
smooth muscle tissue, protection to the bladder.
arranged in two layers that ● The bladder is innervated
 by both sympathetic and regions which include:
parasympathetic nerves, ● Prostatic urethra: It passes
which control the through prostate gland. It is
contraction and relaxation of also responsible for
the bladder muscles. receiving secretions that
● Histologically, the bladder contain sperm, sperm
can be divided into four motility , substances that can
zones: The urothelium, the neutralize the urethra’s pH.
suburothelial layer, the ● Intermediate
muscular layer, and the (membranous urethra):
adventitia. The shortes segment which
● The urothelium is a layer of passes through the perineum.
transitional epithelium that ● Spongy urethra: receives
lines the inner surface of the secretions such as mucus
bladder. and other substances to
● The suburothelial layer neutralize the urethra’s pH.
contains fibroblasts, blood
vessels, and nerve endings. ➔ Functions of Urethra
● The muscular layer is ◆ Urethra is a small tube that
composed of smooth muscle starts from the internal urethral
orifice found in the floor of the
urinary bladder to the exterior of
➔ Functions of Urinary Bladder the body.
◆ Urinary bladder was ◆ The urethra serves as a
described to be a muscular organ passageway or considered as the
that is posterior to the pubic terminal portion for discharging
symphysis and situated in the urine in both males and females.
pelvic cavity. ◆ For males, the urethra is
◆ In females, the urinary also responsible for discharging
bladder in the anterior (situated semen
in front of the body) to the ◆ In order to deliver contents
vagina, while it is inferior to the into the male urethra, there are
uterus. several glands that are considered
associated with reproduction
Anatomy and histology of Urethra ● These include the opening of
ducts, seminal vesicles and
the one that provides
secretions to neutralize
acidity of male reproductive
system and deliver sperm
into the urethra called the
ductus deferens.
● During sexual arousal and
ejaculation, the urethral
glands or the opening of the
ducts discharge mucus
throughout the urethra.
● Associated with
◆ In male urethra, it is reproduction in men are the
subdivided into three anatomical opening of the ducts to
 transport the prostate’s ● this reflex arc,
secretion, seminal vesicles, parasympathetic impulses
and ductus from the micturition center
● Female urethra on the other propagate to the urinary
hand consist of deep bladder wall and internal
mucosa and superficial urethral sphincter.
muscularis ➔ Body Fluid Compartments
◆ Composition of the Fluid
➔ Regulation of Urine in the Body Fluid
Concentration and Volume Compartments
● kidneys maintain the ● Body fluids are present in
concentration of the body two main
fluids by increasing water “compartments”— inside
reabsorption from the filtrate cells and outside cells.
when the body fluid About two-thirds of body
concentration increases. fluid is intracellular fluid
(ICF) or cytosol, the fluid
Hormonal Mechanisms within cells.
◆ Renin–­Angiotensin–­Aldos ● The other third, called
terone System extracellular fluid (ECF) is
○ When blood volume and outside cells and includes all
blood pressure decrease, other body fluids.
the walls of the afferent
arterioles are stretched ◆ Exchange Between Body
less, and the Fluid Compartments
juxtaglomerular cells ● Interstitial fluid also
secrete the enzyme renin includes lymph plasma, CSF,
into the blood. synovial fluid, aqueous and
◆ Antidiuretic Hormone vitreous humor (eyes),
● Antidiuretic hormone pleural, peritoneal, and
(ADH) or vasopressin is pericardial fluids.
released by the posterior ➔ Regulation of Extracellular Fluid
pituitary. Composition
● It regulates facultative water ◆ Thirst Regulation
reabsorption. ● The body can gain water by
◆ Atrial Natriuretic peptide. ingestion and by metabolic
● A large increase in blood synthesis .
volume promotes release of ◆ Regulation of Body Water
atrial natriuretic peptide Gain
(ANP) from the heart. ● The volume of metabolic
➔ Urine Movement water formed in the body
◆ discharge of urine from the depends entirely on the level
urinary bladder, called of aerobic respiration, which
micturition, is also known as reflects the demand for ATP
urination or voiding in body cells.
◆ These impulses propagate
to the micturition center in sacral ➔ Development of the Urinary
spinal cord segments S2 and S3 System
and trigger a spinal reflex called ◆ The urinary system is
the micturition reflex formed from intermediate
 mesoderm, which gives rise to the latter giving rise to the
the urogenital ridge. urethra and bladder.
◆ The pronephros, ◆ The urethral folds and
mesonephros, and metanephros labioscrotal swelling
are the three types of kidneys that differentiate into the male
develop during embryonic genitalia, while the absence of
development. The pronephros these structures leads to female
and mesonephros are genitalia development.
non-functional, but the
metanephros becomes the
permanent kidney. Abnormalities in kidneys:
● The metanephros forms ● Unilateral renal agenesis
from two sources: the results in the development of
ureteric bud, which arises only one kidney, usually in the
from the mesonephric duct, right side.
and the metanephric ● Malrotated kidneys where the
mesoderm. hilum faces anteriorly,
● The ureteric bud grows into posteriorly or laterally instead of
a mass of cells, called the medially.
metanephric blastema, ● Ectopic kidneys- kidneys may
which will differentiate into be in an abnormal location,
the renal tubules and typically inferior.
glomeruli. ● Horseshoe kidneys- fused
● The metanephric kidney
mesoderm contributes to the
development of the ● Kidney diseases that are
nephrons, or the functional more prevalent as people
units of the kidney. age include acute and
◆ The ureteric bud and the chronic kidney
metanephric mesoderm interact inflammations and renal
to promote the development of calculi (kidney stones).
the kidney. ● Polyuria - excessive urine
◆ As the kidneys develop, production
they ascend from the pelvis to ● Nocturia - excessive nighttime
the abdomen. urination
◆ The ureters, bladder, and ● Dysuria- increased frequency of
urethra develop from the cloaca, urination;Painful urination
which initially forms as a ● Urinary retention or
common chamber for the incontinence
gastrointestinal, urinary, and ● Hematuria - blood in the urine
reproductive systems.
◆ The cloaca divides into the Disorders/ Homeostatic Imbalances
rectum and urogenital sinus, with ● Renal Calculi
 ○ Renal calculi or Bryan H. Derrickson and Gerard J.
kidney stones Tortora; Principles of
occasionally formed
Anatomy and Physiology
as crystal salts in
urine precipitates 15th Ed. (2018)
and solidify into Elaine N. Marieb ; Human
insoluble stones.
Anatomy & Physiology
● Urinary Tract Infections
(UTI) 12th Ed. (2023)
○ UTIs are frequent VanPutte, C. L., & Seeley, R. R.
infections that
(2021). Seeley's anatomy &
develop when
bacteria enter the physiology 11th Ed. New
urethra and infect York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
the urinary tract.
These microbes are
frequently from the
skin or rectum.
● In renal failure, there is a
decrease or cessation of
glomerular filtration.
○ oliguria, daily urine
output between 50 mL
and 250 mL;
○ anuria, daily urine
output of less than 50
mL. ‌
◆ Polycystic Kidney Disease
● kidney tubules become
riddled with hundreds or
thousands of cysts
(fluid-filled cavities).
◆ Urinary Bladder Cancer
● Bladder cancer occurs
when cells in the bladder
start to grow without
control.
● The disease is commonly
painless at its early stage of
development, but in most
cases, blood in the urine is a
primary sign of the disease.
Less often, people
experience painful and/or
frequent urination.

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