THE RENAL SYSTEM Outcomes Introduction Outcomes By the end of this section you will understand: The functions of the kidneys The structure and functions of the ureters The bladder and its function This section will enable you to link your knowledge of the renal system with your practical work as a beauty therapist. The Kidneys The Ureters The Bladder The Uretha

INTRODUCTION Introduction The renal system consists of the urinary bladder, ureters, urethra, and kidneys which produce urine a waste liquid, and transports it out of the body. Every hour your kidneys remove up to 7 litres of liquid from your blood. This liquid is filtered and any useful substances are returned to your blood. The Kidneys The Ureters The Bladder The Uretha The Renal System

THE RENAL SYSTEM Kidney Ureter Bladder Adrenal Glands Back

THE KIDNEYS Introduction Located on either side of the spine on the posterior wall of the abdomen. It is made up of two main parts: An outer cortex where the fluid is filtered from the blood An inner medulla where some materials are reabsorbed back into the blood stream The Kidneys The Ureters The Bladder The Uretha Kidney Kidney Functions

THE KIDNEYS Medulla Cortex Pelvis Capsule Ureta THE KIDNEY Back

FUNCTIONS OF THE KIDNEYS Excess water, salts and waste product urea are all filtered and processed through the kidneys. The filtered blood leaves the kidney through the renal vein. The waste product produced from this filtration is called urine which flows into the ureter. Medulla Cortex Pelvis Capsule Ureta THE KIDNEY Back Next

FUNCTIONS OF THE KIDNEYS Inside the kidney the renal artery divides into a network of capillaries which are responsible for filtering waste. Glucose, amino acids, mineral salts and vitamins are re-absorbed back into the blood stream Medulla Cortex Pelvis Capsule Ureta THE KIDNEY Back Next

FUNCTIONS OF THE KIDNEYS Impurities and metabolic waste are filtered from the blood. This prevents poisons from accumulating in the body. Water and salt balance are regulated in the body. pH balance of the blood is maintained. Urine is formed. Medulla Cortex Pelvis Capsule Ureta THE KIDNEY Back Next

THE URETERS Introduction The ureters are two very fine muscular tubes which transport urine form the kidney to the bladder. They are made of three layers of tissue: An inner layer of mucous membrane A middle layer of smooth muscle An outer layer of fibrous tissue The Kidneys The Ureters The Bladder The Uretha Functions of the Ureter

MAIN FUNCTIONS OF THE URETERS To propel urine from the kidneys into the bladder by the contraction of their muscular walls. Back

THE URINARY BLADDER Introduction The bladder is positioned behind the pubic bone in the pelvic cavity. It is composed of four layers of tissue: An inner lining of mucous membrane A Layer of adipose tissue A smooth layer of muscular fibres A serous membrane which covers the upper surface. The Kidneys The Ureters The Bladder The Uretha Bladder diagram

THE URINARY BLADDER Ureters The bladder is a muscular bag. Its function is to store urine. Opening of the ureters Uretha THE BLADDER Back

THE URETHA Introduction The urethra is a muscular canal which extends from the neck of the bladder to the outside of the body. It is composed of three layers: A lining of mucous membrane. A thin spongy coat. A muscular coat which is continuous with that of the bladder. The Kidneys The Ureters The Bladder The Uretha Functions of the Uretha

FUNCTIONS OF THE URETHA In the male the Urethra is a conducting channel for semen. In male and female it is a tube through which urine is discharged from the bladder to the exterior. It expels urine from the body. Back