Renal Function

The renal system, also known as the urinary system, includes the kidneys, the ureters, the bladder, and the urethra. The system works together to help rid the body of waste, as well as to stabilize blood pressure, blood pH and blood volume, and electrolyte levels. Kidneys: All blood passes through the kidneys. The kidneys filter and process the blood, removing what is unnecessary and reabsorbing vital nutrients back into the body. The waste is processed into urine. Ureters: The ureters are long and thin fibrous tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder. One ureter is connected to each kidney. Urine passes from the kidneys into the ureters that lead the urine down to the bladder. Bladder: The bladder is used as a storage space for waste that needs to be excreted from the body. On average, the bladder can hold 400ml to 600ml at a time of the one to two liters of urine that are produced each day. Urethra: During urination, waste passes from the bladder to the urethra, which then passes the urine outside of the body. The length of the urethra is the only difference between the male urinary system and the female urinary system.