Urinary system

the kidney

The kidney Medulla consists of 6 - 18 renal pyramids in humans Hilum – concavity where blood vessels enter/exit and renal pelvis exits

the kidney Renal pyramids come to a point at the papilla which funnels urine into the minor calyx 2 or 3 minor calyces merge into 1 major calyces Major calyces merge into the renal pelvis

Nitrogenous waste Protein metabolism results in the production of ammonia, which is very toxic The liver quickly converts ammonia to urea, which is still toxic but not as toxic as ammonia

Functions of the Kidneys Filter blood plasma, separate wastes (urea), return useful materials to the blood, and eliminate the wastes If nitrogenous waste not eliminated, results in diarrhea, vomiting, cardiac arrhythmia, convulsions, coma, and death

Functions of the Kidneys Maintaining homeostasis Regulate blood volume and osmolarity (concentration of solutes) Regulate blood pressure Regulate blood pH