Generalities of the Urinary System

The human urinary system is a set of organs responsible for urine production by which nitrogenous waste is disposed of metabolism (urea , creatinine and uric acid ) , and osmoregulation . Its architecture consists of structures that filter bodily fluids (liquid celomático , hemolymph , blood). In vertebrates is the nephron or nephron . The human urinary system consists mainly of two parts which are:

Secretory organs : kidneys , which produce urine and perform other functions .
The excretory , that collects urine and expels it outside.
urinary tract consists of the kidneys that are responsible for removing waste from the body , regulating electrolyte balance and stimulate red blood cell production .
 Two bodies that are part of the urinary system . Are located on the back of the abdomen, one on each side of the spine. They are surrounded by fatty tissue and extend between the eleventh rib and the third lumbar vertebra .
The kidneys have 12cm long , 6cm wide and 3 cm thick and weigh about 150 grams .
They surround a thin renal capsule.
They are divided into three different zones : cortex , medulla and pelvis.
They are dark red , on both sides of the spine.
On top of each kidney are adrenal glands.
Urine is produced in the outer shell and bone that surrounds .
The bladder which is the main organ of the excretory system , is a hollow organ located in the lower abdomen and upper pelvis , designed to hold urine coming from the kidneys through the ureters. The bladder is a bag composed of muscles that is responsible for storing and releasing urine . When empty, its upper and lower walls are brought into contact , taking a ovoid shape when filled. Its capacity is about 700-800 mL. Its interior is lined with mucosa squamous epithelium squamous , impervious to urine.
The urethra which is the tube that carries highly systematized and allows the output outside the urine contained in the bladder , where it is expelled through a process called urination .. The woman is a simple channel 3-4 cm . long, somewhat narrower at both ends than in the rest of its path . Is almost vertical and is in front of the vagina, vulva opening in front of the vaginal opening.
In men the urethra is of 18-20 cm . long and 6 cm in women . Gauge is irregular , has widened portions and narrowed other . Also it is not straight but has certain angles.
Ureters are two ducts or tubes about 21 to 30 cm. long, and about 3 or 4 mm in diameter, very thin , which carry urine from the kidneys into the renal pelvis to the bladder at the base of the so-called flow forming ureteral meatus , which valve arrangement allows urine to pass drop to drop the ureter to the bladder , but not vice versa . Its interior is lined with epithelium and its wall contains smooth muscle.