Structure and Function of the Urinary System

incoming blood vessel that supplies blood to the glomerulus of the nephron and helps to regulate blood pressure within the kidneys

outgoing blood vessel that carries blood away from the glomerulus of the nephron

cluster of capillaries located at the end of a kidney tubule where material is filtered from the blood

entrance to the renal sinus

bean-shaped structure located near the middle of the back that filters waste from the bloodstream. It also plays an important part in water, electrolyte, and blood pressure regulation and helps maintain normal pH, calcium, and red blood cell levels.

junction of two to three minor calyces in the kidney that collects urine flowing from the kidney and passes it to the ureter

process whereby urine is released from the bladder and exits through the urethra

cavity that collects droplets of urine from the renal pyramids. Two to three minor calyces converge to deposit collected urine into a major calyx.

primary structure in the kidney that produces urine as part of the process of filtering the blood

capillary that surrounds the proximal and distal convoluted tubules in the kidney

one of several sections of tissue in the medulla that contains tubes that transport urine from the cortex to the calyces

one of two blood vessels that leads from the abdominal aorta and supplies blood to the kidneys

extension of the renal cortex into the medulla between the renal pyramids providing support and connection for the cortex

outer layer of the kidney; granular in structure. It is composed of glomeruli and tubules and connects the pyramids of the renal medulla.

middle or inner region of the kidney that functions as a collecting area for the waste and water that has been filtered by the renal cortex

large, funnel-shaped, upper portion of the ureter that serves to collect the urine before it flows into the bladder. It is also the point where two or three major calyces converge.

main cavity of the kidney that contains the renal pelvis, the renal calyces, blood vessels, and nerves

large vein that carries blood away from the kidney

tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder

tube that carries urine from the bladder to the external urethral orifice and out of the body

saclike organ that collects urine from the kidneys and is able to store it for a period of time until it is disposed of via urination