Ch. 1 The Human Body: An Orientation

Marieb - Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology 13th Edition

Marieb13th EditionEssentials of Human Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780135624340Not the one you use?Change textbook

Marieb 13th Edition

Ch. 1 The Human Body: An Orientation

Problem 9

Chapter 1, Problem 9

Name the organs of the urinary system, and describe the general function of each organ.

Verified step by step guidance

Identify the organs of the urinary system: kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra.

Describe the function of the kidneys: The kidneys filter blood to remove waste products, excess ions, and water, forming urine. They also regulate electrolyte balance, blood pressure, and red blood cell production through hormone secretion.

Explain the function of the ureters: The ureters are muscular tubes that transport urine from the kidneys to the urinary bladder through peristaltic contractions.

Describe the function of the urinary bladder: The urinary bladder is a hollow, muscular organ that stores urine until it is ready to be expelled from the body. It expands as it fills and contracts during urination.

Explain the function of the urethra: The urethra is a tube that carries urine from the urinary bladder to the outside of the body during urination. In males, it also serves as a passageway for semen during reproduction.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Kidneys

The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs that filter blood to remove waste products and excess substances, producing urine. They play a crucial role in regulating electrolyte balance, blood pressure, and acid-base homeostasis. Each kidney contains nephrons, the functional units that perform filtration and reabsorption.

Ureters

Ureters are muscular tubes that transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder. They utilize peristaltic movements to propel urine downward, ensuring a one-way flow. Each ureter is approximately 10-12 inches long and connects to the renal pelvis of the kidney at one end and the bladder at the other.

Bladder

The bladder is a hollow, muscular organ that stores urine until it is ready to be excreted. It can expand and contract, accommodating varying volumes of urine. The bladder's walls contain smooth muscle that facilitates the process of urination through coordinated contractions.

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Related Practice

Textbook Question

Define anatomy and physiology.

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Textbook Question

A nurse informed John that she was about to take blood from his antecubital region. What part of his body was she referring to? Later, she came back and said that she was going to give him an antibiotic shot in the deltoid region. Where on his body did he get the shot? Before John left the office, the nurse noticed that his left sural region was badly bruised. What part of his body was black and blue?

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Textbook Question

On what body surface is each of the following located: nose, calf of leg, ears, umbilicus, fingernails?

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Textbook Question

Which of the following groupings of the abdominopelvic regions is medial?

a. Hypochondriac, hypogastric, umbilical

b. Hypochondriac, lumbar, inguinal

c. Hypogastric, umbilical, epigastric

d. Lumbar, umbilical, iliac

e. Iliac, umbilical, hypochondriac

Textbook Question

Which of the following organ systems—digestive, respiratory, reproductive, circulatory, urinary, or muscular—are found in both subdivisions of the ventral body cavity?

Which are found in the thoracic cavity only?

In the abdominopelvic cavity only?

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Textbook Question

More than one choice may apply.

The base of the heart is its _______surface.

a. Diaphragmatic

b. Superior

c. Anterior

d. Inferior

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