The Urinary System
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The urinary system filters blood by removing waste, toxins, and excess water, which produces urine that is then excreted from the body. The urinary system consists of two kidneys, two ureters, a bladder, and a urethra.
Kidneys
The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located below the ribs that filter blood, balance body fluids, and produce hormones that regulate blood pressure and red blood cell production.
Ureters
The ureters are two thin tubes of muscle that carry urine from the kidneys down to the bladder.
Bladder
The bladder, located in the pelvis, is a hollow organ that expands and contracts to store and release urine (peeing). The bladder can typically hold around 2 cups of urine at a time.
Urethra
The urethra is a tube located at the bottom of the bladder that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. Two sphincter muscles (internal urethral sphincter & external urethral sphincter) keep the urethra closed until your brain sends signals to relax the muscles and let the urine exit the body.
Common Urinary Disorders
Urinary tract infections
Urinary incontinence (loss of bladder control)
Chronic kidney disease
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