Chapter

The Urinary System

From Human Nutrition by Human Nutrition

Concepts

1. Kidney Functions

   "The urinary system has roles you may be well aware of: cleansing the blood and ridding the body of wastes probably come to mind. However, there are additional, equally important functions played by t

2. Urine Characteristics

   "Characteristics of the urine change, depending on influences such as water intake, exercise, environmental temperature, nutrient intake, and other factors. Some of the characteristics such as color a

3. Urine Volume

   "Urine volume varies considerably. The normal range is one to two liters per day. The kidneys must produce a minimum urine volume of about 500 mL/day to rid the body of wastes. Output below this level

4. Urinary Structures

   "The urinary system, controlled by the nervous system, also stores urine until a convenient time for disposal and then provides the anatomical structures to transport this waste liquid to the outside

5. Kidney Anatomy

   "The kidneys lie on either side of the spine in the retroperitoneal space behind the main body cavity that contains the intestines. The kidneys are well protected by muscle, fat, and the lower ribs. T