Introduction

Image courtesy of commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Illu_urinary_system.jpg Public domain image.

The urinary system in human consists of two kidneys, two ureters, the urinary bladder, and the urethra.

Our body's metabolism constantly produces waste products which if not eliminated, can poison the body. Being the major excretory and osmoregulatory organ, the kidney has three essential functions:

(1) removal of metabolic waste products and toxins from the blood and excreting them through the urine

(2) has a homeostatic role by regulating body’s fluid status, electrolyte balance and acid-base balance

(3) produces hormones that are involved in erythrogenesis, calcium metabolism, and the regulation of blood pressure and blood flow

Urine formed in the kidneys flows from collecting ducts through renal papilla, and drains through ureters to a muscular sac called the urinary bladder where it is stored temporarily.

During urination, urine is released from the urinary bladder to the outside of our body via urethra. Urination is controlled by sphincter muslces located near the junction of urethra and urinary bladder.

Kidney-shaped lake. Image courtesy of www.flickr.com/photos/mardraum_ico/2992475785/sizes/o/ under creative commons license.

Banner image courtesy of Flickr under creative commons license.