Urinary System
Functions:
1. Filter blood for toxins, metabolic wastes, and excess ions
2. Regulate blood volume
3. Regulate salt and water levels in blood
4. Produce renin that acts in blood pressure regulation
5. Produce erythropoietin to stimulate red blood cell production
Kidney anatomy
- retroperitoneal
- hilus = vertical cleft permits entry and exit of blood and lymphatic vessels, nerves, and ureters
Fibrous coverings:
1. Renal capsule - adheres to surface of kidney
2. Adipose capsule - helps to hold kidney in place
3. Renal fascia - outer covering of dense fibrous connective tissue
Internal anatomy
1. Renal cortex
- renal columns - inward extensions of cortical tissue
2. Renal medulla
- renal pyramids - cone shaped tissue masses formed from collecting tubules
- lobe = each pyramid and a portion of associated cortex
3. Renal pelvis
- major calyx
- minor calyx
Nephron
- functional unit of kidney
