University Biology Homework: Structure and Function of Urinary System

This homework assignment explores the human urinary system, covering its structure and function. The solution details the location and function of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, explaining how urine is formed and eliminated. It also describes the role of umbrella cells in the bladder and the urinary system's role in homeostasis and blood pressure regulation. Furthermore, the assignment addresses how aging affects the urinary tract and discusses potential treatments for stress-related incontinence, including behavioral and nutritional therapies. The assignment refers to several key references to support the arguments.

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Q7.1
a) The Kidney is bean shaped and is located on the left and right side of the lower
abdomen. The ureter carries urine downwards from the kidney into the bladder which
is right below the kidney. The bladder is connected with the urethra which carries
urine out of the human body, and it is located in the penis.
B)The urinary system helps the body to eliminate liquid waste from the body in the
form of urine. Urine contains urea as the primary component. It carries chemicals
such as potassium, sodium and excess water. The urinary system also helps to
regulate blood pressure.
Q7.2
The kidney absorbs urea and other chemicals that are not needed in the body together
with excess water. These chemicals flow to the bladder through a tube called the
ureter. The muscles in the ureter tighten and relax to push urine downwards. The
bladder stores the urine temporarily after which it flows out of the body through the
urethra which is located in the penis (Falvo, 2014).
Q 7.3
The Umbrella cells line the inner side of the bladder, ureter, and pelvis. It forms an
impermeable membrane which separates the space for urine and the muscles (Saxon,
Etten & Perkins, 2015). The umbrella cells help to protect the bladder cells from
tearing due to the expansion and contraction that happens when the urine fills the
bladder and when the bladder is emptied (Falvo, 2014).

Q7.5
Homeostasis is when the body is in balance. The role of kidneys in filtering fluids and
wastes in the body makes kidney a major homeostatic organ. The kidney depends on
the various hormones to regulate blood pressure. The blood pressure is regulated by
the reducing or increasing the number of minerals absorbed from the body to maintain
balance in the blood pressure (Doughty, 2012) This, therefore, means that the failure
of the kidney may lead to blood pressure issue.
Q 7.7
The urinary tract of an individual is affected as the age advances. The entire urinary
systems are affected by old age. After the age of forty, the weight of kidneys begins to
drop. The rate at which the kidneys filter blood also drops. In addition to this, the
arteries that supply blood to the kidneys narrow and hence resulting in a reduced
ability of nephrons to excrete waste. In women, the urethra shortens, and the lining
becomes thinner hence reducing the ability of sphincter muscles to close tightly
(Brenner, Rector & Taal, 2011). This brings about the risk of urinary incontinence.
Q 7.8
Stress-related incontinence can be solved through behavioral therapy. A patient with
such a problem can be trained concerning the functions of the lower urinary tract.
They can also be trained on how to control the diet and the fluids they consume to
help them manage the problem. An individual will also undergo counseling sections
to help them reduce incontinence by overcoming the issues that cause stress and
hence avoiding incontinence.
Q7.9

The use of nutritional therapy to help patients with urinary tract problems needs to be
done cautiously. This is because nutritional therapy involves prescribing some foods
to patients while warning them against consuming other foods (Hohenfellner&
Santucci,2007). This failure to consume some food or the consumption of a particular
type of food may cause problems such as high/low blood pressure to a patient.
Therefore the patient needs to ensure that there is a balance in the diet they consume
in order not to overwork the kidney.

References
Brenner, B. M., Rector, F. C., & Taal, M. W. (2011). Brenner & Rector's the kidney.
Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders.
Doughty, D. B. (2012). Urinary & Fecal Incontinence: Current Management
Concepts. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Falvo, D. R. (2014). Medical and psychosocial aspects of chronic illness and
disability.
Hohenfellner, M., & Santucci, R. A. (2007). Emergencies in urology. Berlin:
Springer.
Saxon, S. V., Etten, M. J., & Perkins, E. A. (2015). Physical change & aging: A guide
for the helping professions.