Anatomy of the Urinary System

Exercise 40

Objectives
 

At the end of this lab you will be able to:

1. List and explain the functions of the urinary system

2. Identify urinary system organs in models, diagrams and in the rat and give the function of each.

3. Identify the following structures in the kidney model: medulla, cortex, renal pyramid, apex, papillary ducts, hilus, renal artery and
vein, segmental artery, lobar artery, interlobar artery and vein, arcuate artery and vein, cortical radiate artery and vein, pelvis, major
and minor calyx.

4. Identify the following structures in the dissected kidney: hilus, major calyx, renal column, cortex, minor calyx, renal capsule,
medulla, medullary (renal) pyramids, renal pelvis, renal artery, renal vein, papilla of pyramid.

5. Describe the function of the nephron and identify the following structures of the nephron using the nephron model: glomerulus,
podocytes, Bowman's capsule, afferent and efferent arteriole, proximal and distal convoluted tubule, descending and ascending limb,
loop of Henle, collecting duct, arcuate vein and artery, interlobular vein and artery, cortex, medulla, renal pyramid, papillary ducts,
major and minor calyx, pelvis, ureter.

6. Compare the course and length of the urethra in males and females.

7. Trace the blood supply of the kidney beginning at the renal artery and ending at the renal vein.

8. Define the following terms and identify where each process occurs in the nephron: glomerular filtration, tubular reabsorption, and
tubular secretion.

9. Define: micturition (voiding), incontinence and explain the roles of the internal and external urethral sphincters.

10. Identify the following in a histological slide of the kidney: glomeruli, cortex, and medulla.

11. Identify the following in a histological slide of the ureter: transitional epithelium, muscularis (2 layers), adventitia.

12. Identify the urinary bladder and uric acid on slides.

13. Identify the following structures in the cat: urinary bladder, ureters, renal arteries, urethra, renal veins, kidneys.

Introduction
The kidneys are the main organ of the urinary system and play an important role in maintaining homeostasis in the body. They are
the most important homeostatic organs in the body. The functions of the kidneys include excretion nitrogenous of waste, maintenance
of electrolyte balance, maintenance of pH, and fluid balance. The kidneys do their job by filtering the blood then processing the filtrate
they produce. Through this processing metabolic wastes, toxins and excess ions such as sodium are removed form the body while
substances needed by the body, such as glucose, are conserved.

Gross Anatomy of the Human Urinary System

 

 
 

The urinary system is composed of the paired kidneys, paired ureters, urinary bladder and the urethra.

The kidneys produce the urine which passes through the ureters to the urinary bladder. The urine is stored in the urinary bladder
and then passes through the urethra to exit the body. In males, the urethra is shared with the reproductive system and also provides
a passageway for semen during ejaculation.

Note that the right kidney is lower than the left. This is to accommodate the liver.

 
 

Postion and Coverings of the Kidneys

The kidneys are retroperitonial and are in the lower back. They are about the size of a large bar of soap. The kidneys are covered by
3 layers of connective tissue. The innermost layer is the transparent fibrous capsule and is surrounded by a layer of fat called the
perirenal fat capsule. In people who are very thin, have extremely low body fat or lose weight rapidly this fat layer can be lost and the
kidneys will "fall". This condition is called nephroptosis. The outermost covering of the kidneys is fibrous and is called the renal fascia.
The renal facia is responsible for holding the kidneys in place.

Gross Anatomy of the Kidney (Model)

Labeling the parts of the model:

 Gross Anatomy of the Kidney (Sheep Kidney)

 

Structure and Function of Nephrons

Nephrons are the structural and functional units of the kidneys and each kidney has over one million of them. The nephrons filter the
blood and form the urine.

Nephron Structure

Renal Corpuscle:

Glomerulus (part of the filtration membrane):

The glomerulus is a ball of fenestrated capillaries. Blood enters the glomerulus through the afferent arteriols and exits
through the efferent arteriole. Note that the afferent arteriole is larger then the efferent. This increases the hydrostatic
pressure in the capillaries which increases movement out of the capillaries.

Visceral Layer of the Glomerular Capsule (part of the filtration membrane):

This is the layer of the the capsule that lines the glomerulus. Notice the podicytes which squeese the capillaries and the
spaces between them (filtration slits) that allow the filtrate to pass.

Parietal Layer of the Glomerular Capsule:

The outer portion of the capsule. Forms the impermeable barrier that holds the filtrate. It is not invloved in filtration.

 
  

 
Renal Tubule Structure and Function: 
 Proximal convoluted
Tubule:

Very coiled tube lined

with simple cuboidal
epithelium with many
microvilli to increase
surface area. This tubule
is specialized to
reabsorb needed
substances from the
filtrate. It is found in the
cortex of the kidney.

Descending Limb of
Henle:

Continues tubular
reabsorption so it iss
also composed of
cuboidal epithelium with
microvilli. It extends into
the medulla of the
kidney.

Descending Thin Limb

of the Nephron Loop:

This portion of the

descending limb of
Henle is composed of
simple squamous
epithelium and is very
permeable to water so
water is reabsorbed here
rather than nutrients. It is
found in the medulla of
the kidney.

Thick Ascending Limb

of the Nephron Loop:

This portion of the renal

tubule is NOT permeable
to water. This structure is
responsible for active
and passive
reabsorption of solutes
only.It is found in the
medulla of the kidney.

Distal Convoluted Tubule:

This section of the tubule is coiled and composed of simple cuboidal epithelium. It is responsible for reabsorption and
secretion and conserves bodily fluids. It is found in the cortex of the kidney.

Collecting Duct:

Receive filtrate from the distal convoluted tubule. It also plays an important role in maintaining pH.

 
Here is another model showing nephron structure. This model shows the nephron in place in the kidney. Compare this model to the
one on the previous page.

Formation of Urine
Urine is formed using three processes:

1- Glomerular Filtration

This process in largely passive. It occurs in the renal corpuscle and involves the movement of solution (filtrate) out of the
glomerulus into the Bowman's Capsule. Remember that the glomerular capillaries are fenestrated so are very porous. The filtrate
then passes into the proximal convoluted tubule where tubular reabsorption begins.

2- Tubular Reabsorption

This process returns most of the filtrate to the blood and and 75-80% happens in the proximal convoluted tubule. Water is
returned via osmosis but most reabsorption depends on active transport. Water, glucose, and amino acids are almost entirely
reabsorbed. Waste products such as urea are not reabsorbed well. This process is very important in maintaining pH and ion
balance.

3-Tubular Secretion

This process is the reverse of tubular reabsorption. Certain ions and other wastes of toxic substances are returned to the urine.
Blood Flow Through the Kidney
Using the models or figures in your lab manual follow the path of blood through the kidney.

Renal Artery-Segmental Arteries-Interlobar Arteries-Arcuate Arteries-Cortical Radiate Arteries-Afferent Arterioles-Glomerulus-Efferent

Arterioles-Peritubular Capillaries (or Vasa Recta)-Cortical Radiate Veins-Arcuate Veins-Interlobar Veins-Renal Vein

 
 

Urinary Bladder
 

Function-Temporarily stores urine

Voiding or Micturation means "peeing"

Sphincters

Internal Sphincter

Smooth muscle

Involuntary-

External Sphincter

Skeletal muscle

Voluntary-Allows prevention of accidental urination

Incontinence – lack of voluntary control over the external sphincter, children do not develop control over this sphincter until they are
approximately 2 years old. Incontinence is seen in older adults and in persons who have suffered spinal cord injury as well as in
those with bladder infections or other urinary tract pathologies.

Trigone-Area of the bladder that forms the traingle between the ureter entrances and the urethra exit. Bacteria sit in this area and
can multiply and cause bladder infections.

Comparing the Male and Female Urethra

Male Urethra: 20cm long, shared with the reproductive system, divided into 3 regions: prostatic (runs through the prostate gland),
intermediate, and spongy.

Femal Urethra: 4cm long, NOT shared with the reproductive system, not divided into regions.

 
  

Histology of the Urinary System

Kidney Slide

Identify: Glomerulus, cortex, medulla

 
 

Ureter Slide

Identify: lumen, transitional epithelium, longitudinal layer of the muscularis, circular layer of the muscularis, adventitia

Lab Activities

Activity 1: Identifying Urinary System Organs (pg 577, 2nd ed, pg 615, 12 ed, pg 605, 13 ed)

Activity 2: Studying Nephron Structure (pg 581, 2nd ed, pg 618, 12 ed, pg  608, 13 ed.)

Activity 3: Studying Bladder Structure (pg 582, 2nd ed, pg 621, 12 ed, pg 611, 13 ed.)

Editor:
Bonnie S. Gunn

Contributors:
Liza Vela, Rocio Saenz, Sara Stubbs

Sources:
Marieb, Elaine N. and Mitchell, Susan J. 2011. Human Anatomy & Physiology Laboratory Manual: Cat Version, Tenth Edition. Boston,
MA: Pearson Education