Biology Module: Urinary System Structure and Function Discussion

This discussion post delves into the structure and function of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. The assignment explores the anatomical differences between male and female urinary systems, highlighting the varying lengths of the urethra. The post also explains the primary functions of the urinary system, which include regulating blood quantity and composition (potassium, sodium, calcium), maintaining blood pH, synthesizing calcitriol (active vitamin D), and storing waste products like uric acid and urea. References from established sources such as Scanlon & Sanders (2018), Jones, Hard, & Mohr (2013), Torrens & Morrison (2012), and Tortora & Grabowski (2011) are provided to support the information presented. The post provides a comprehensive overview of the urinary system's components and their roles in maintaining bodily homeostasis. This assignment is available on Desklib, which provides a platform for students to access past papers and solved assignments.

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DISCUSSION POST
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1DISCUSSION POST
Topic: Structure and function of the urinary system.
Structure of urinary system:
The primary structures of the urinary system are consists of ureters, kidneys, urethra, and
bladder. They filter out blood and excrete waste out of the body through urination. Urinary
organs are different in position and size in men and women body. The kidneys are generally
bean shaped organ which is located behind the peritoneum on the back of the abdominal wall.
Ureters are slender, and long muscular tubes (Scanlon & Sanders, 2018). Contractions of
smooth muscle force urine down and into the bladder. The length of the ureter at adolescents’
age is 25 to 30 cm, approximately 12-inch. The bladder of females is placed before and below
the vagina. The bladder is located in males before the rectum and above the prostate gland
(Jones, Hard, & Mohr, 2013). The bladder's wall includes the folds known as rogue, and the
muscle of the detrusor consists a soft layer. The size of urethra is generally small in women
and approximately 4 cm long, which is much shorter in comparison with men. The urethra is
about 17.5 - 20 cm for men, 4 to 5 times long in women (Jones, Hard, & Mohr, 2013).
Function of urinary system:
The primary functions and elements of the urinary system are:
 To adjust blood quantity and blood structure (for instance potassium, sodium, and
calcium).
 Control the body’s pH in blood to achieve homeostasis (Torrens & Morrison, 2012).
 Helps synthesize of calcitriol (active vitamin D form).
 Stores waste products (primarily uric acid and urea) prior to removal from the body
and other products (Tortora & Grabowski, 2011).

2DISCUSSION POST
References:
Jones, T. C., Hard, G. C., & Mohr, U. (Eds.). (2013). Urinary system. Springer Science &
Business Media.
Scanlon, V. C., & Sanders, T. (2018). Essentials of anatomy and physiology. FA Davis.
Torrens, M., & Morrison, J. F. (Eds.). (2012). The physiology of the lower urinary tract.
Springer Science & Business Media.
Tortora, G. J., & Grabowski, S. R. (2011). Principles of anatomy and physiology,
2000. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons Google Scholar.