The diagram of Urinary system illustrates the organs and structure responsible for producing, storing, and eliminating urine from the body. The diagram of urinary system in human beings consists of kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. It also includes additional structures like renal arteries and veins, which supply blood to the kidneys and adrenal glands situated atop each kidney. Diagrams of the urinary system class 7 and 10 are often asked in the examinations.
A labeled diagram of urinary system is given below:
Diagram of Urinary System
Table of Content
What is Urinary System?
The urinary system is also known as the renal system or urinary tract. The diagram of urinary system shows that it is made of – kidneys, ureters, the bladder, and the urethra. The primary function of the urinary system is to eliminate waste from the body and regulate blood volume and pressure, maintain blood pH balance, and control electrolyte and metabolite levels. Serving as the body’s drainage system, the urinary tract facilitates the eventual removal of urine.
Also read: Human urinary system
Parts of Urinary System and Their Functions
The various organs of urinary system are mentioned here along with their functions:
Kidney
The kidney are two-bean shaped organs one on either side of the spine.They produce 1 to 2 quarts of urine daily. Each kidney is shielded and surrounded by three layers of tissue:
- Renal capsule: This is the innermost layer consisting of a smooth fibrous membrane
- Adipose capsule: A layer composed of fatty tissue
- Renal fascia: the outermost layer comprising of connective tissue that anchors the kidney to the abdominal wall.
The kidneys outer region is called cortex, while the medulla is situated at its center. Within the medulla are 10-15 cone shaped collecting ducts known as renal pyramids. These ducts drain into the minor calyces (which are cup-shaped receptacles). From there, the urine flows into the major calyces, larger openings leading to the renal pelvis, which is funnel shaped. Ultimately, urine travels through the ureter to the bladder.
Ureters
The ureters, thin hollow tube, emerge from each kidney and extend into the bladder.
- They enter the bladder walls from either side forming a u shape. At the bottom of this U shape, the ureter connects to the triangular area on the base of the bladder called the trigone.
- As the kidney converts waste into urine, muscles lining the walls of the ureters help propel the urine towards the bladder for storage.
- The urine enters the bladder through the ureteral openings. The mucous membrane lining the ureters stores urine in the bladder and prevent it from refluxing back towards the kidney, which could lead to infection.
Bladder
The bladder, muscular hollow organ, serves as a reservoir for the urine until it is expelled from the body. Positioned in the abdomen behind the pubic bone, it contains an opening to the urethra at the base of the trigone, through which urine exist the body. Internally, the bladder consist of three layers:
- Serosa: The outer coat providing protective covering.
- Detrusor muscle: a collective term for three layer of smooth muscle responsible for bladder contraction and relaxation.
- Mucosa: The innermost layer lining the bladder.
Prostrate
In males, the prostrate gland which encircles the junction where the bladder connects resembling a doughnut shape.
- In young man, the prostrate is typically size and shape of walnut. However, it enlarges with age and can reach the size of an orange.
- The primary function of the prostrate gland is to contribute fluid volume and essential nutrients to semen.
- Within the prostrate, numerous tiny glands produce fluid that merges with the sperm in the urethra during orgasm. This combined mixture is expelled during ejaculation.
Urethra
The urethra is a muscular tube that links the bladder to the exterior providing a passage for urine to be expelled from the body.
- Its structure includes a mucous membrane and a layer of smooth muscle tissue. Notably, there are distinctions in the function, trajectory and length of the urethra between males and females.
- In males the urethra extends by 8 inches connecting bladder to the tip of the penis. Whereas, in females, the urethra measures approximately 1.5 inches in length, which contributes to their increased susceptibility to urinary tract infection.
- The shorter length facilitates the movement of urine back to the bladder, increasing the risk of infection.
Urinary sphincter muscle
Sphincter consist of two types of muscles responsible for controlling flow of urine from the bladder.
- At the junction of the urethra and bladder, internal urethral sphincter, comprising involuntary muscle, prevent urine from refluxing back into the bladder.
- External urethral sphincter, located at the end of the urethra, are voluntary muscles that initiate and cease the flow of urine by relaxing and contracting.
- Both set of sphincter muscle facilitates the movement of urine out of the body when they are open, and they prevent urine from escaping when closed. These muscles work in the coordination with the bladder: when the bladder relaxes to allow urine to enter, the sphincter muscles remain closed to prevent leakage.
- During urination, when the bladder contracts, the sphincter muscle relaxes, enabling urine to flow out of the body.
Conclusion-Diagram of Urinary System
The urinary system is vital for maintaining the body’s internal balance by regulating fluid levels, electrolytes and eliminating waste products. The diagram of urinary system shows that it is comprised of organs like the kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra. The kidneys filter blood, removing waste and excess substance to produce urine, which travels through the ureters to the bladder for storage. Controlled by sphincter muscles, urine is expelled through the urethra during urination. The proper function of this system is fundamental to overall heath, as disruption may lead to complications such as kidney stones or urinary tract infections.
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FAQ on Diagram of Urinary System
What is the Urinary System Diagram?
The urinary system diagram visually represents the organs and structures involved in the urine production and elimination.
What is the Urinary System?
Urinary system act as the body filtration system. It eliminates toxins and waste from the body, which are expelled as urine.
What is the Main Function of Urinary System?
The main function of urinary system is to filter blood to remove substances that the body doesn’t require such as excess water, salt, toxins, and waste products.
What are the 5 Structures of the Urinary System?
The 5 main part of the urinary system are Kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra and renal blood vessel.
What is the Role of Kidneys?
The kidneys act as unique filtration system in the body, removing waste products from the blood and producing urine. They regulate the level of various components in the blood and contribute to controlling blood pressure.
Which Kidney is Lower?
Right kidney is lower than the left kidney