THE URINARY SYSTEM

THE URINARY SYSTEM OBJECTIVES What is the urinary system? What are the components of the urinary system? What is the function of the urinary system? What factors influence urination? What can the health care worker do to help? What are the key concepts and terms regarding the urinary system?

THE URINARY SYSTEM The urinary system includes 2 kidneys, 2 ureters, the bladder, 2 sphincters and a urethra. The functions of the urinary system are to remove waste products from the blood and to maintain water balance within the body.

THE URINARY SYSTEM The kidneys are 2 bean shaped organs that lie against the muscles of the back in the upper abd. and are protected by the ribs The kidneys act as a filtration system by removing toxins and waste products from the blood.

THE URINARY SYSTEM Each kidney contains over a million tiny structures called nephrons. Nephrons are the basic structural and functional units of the kidneys. They separate nutrients and minerals in the blood from the waste and toxins. These toxins are kept in the kidneys and form urine while the water and other necessary substances are reabsorbed by the blood and re-circulated in the body.

THE URINARY SYSTEM Urine is then transported from the kidneys through the ureters to the bladder. The ureters are 2 narrow tubes (about 10 – 12 inches long and 6mm in diameter).

THE URINARY SYSTEM The bladder is smooth, muscular, hallow sac that sits in the front lower part of the abdomen. The bladder stores urine until the desire to void is felt. (when there is about 250cc in the bladder) The bladder has a capacity of approx. 600cc. When the urge to void is felt the bladder tightens and the sphincters relax. Urine then passes from the bladder, through the urethra and then out of the body through the meatus.

DID YOU KNOW? Each human kidney contains up to a million tiny nephrons, which laid end to-end, would be over 64 kilometres in length. Some people believe in “urine therapy” and drink their own urine. This is common practice in traditional medicine in India Urine has historically been used as an antiseptic. Urine is sterile and odourless until it leaves the body. You can live with only 1 kidney

THE URINARY SYSTEM Many factors can influence urination including: Diseases Growth & development Sociocultural factors Psychological factors Muscle tone Fluid balance Surgical procedures Medications Diagnostic exams HOWEVER Once the urinary system fails, all organs will eventually be affected.

HOW CAN THE HEALTH CARE WORKER HELP?? THE URINARY SYSTEM HOW CAN THE HEALTH CARE WORKER HELP?? There are several ways that a health care worker can promote elimination including: Normal positioning Sensory stimulation Maintaining elimination habits Offering fluids Promoting complete bladder emptying

THE URINARY SYSTEM URINARY SYSTEM REVIEW What is the purpose of the urinary system? Where are the kidneys located? What is their function? What are nephrons and what is their function? How much fluid can the bladder hold? When is the urge to void felt? Explain how fluid intake affects the urinary system How does normal positioning affect urination? How does muscle tone affect urination? Explain how urine travels through the urinary system Is urine sterile? If so, why does it have an odour?

THE URINARY SYSTEM In groups of 5,use the Play-Doh, poster board, and marker provided, make a diagram of the urinary system and label it.