Definition
noun
The organ system concerned with the production and excretion of urine
Supplement
An organ system, (sometimes simply system), is a group of organs that work together to carry out a particular task. In humans and other animals, the organ systems are integumentary system, lymphatic system, muscular system, nervous system, reproductive system, urinary system, respiratory system, skeletal system, and immune system.
The urinary system is the organ system responsible for the production and excretion of urine. In humans and other vertebrates, it is typically comprised of kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra. Histologically, the kidney is comprised of functional units called nephrons. Urine is formed by nephrons. It then flows through the collecting ducts, into the ureter, and then stored into the urinary bladder. During voiding, the urine is expelled from the urethra and eventually to the outside of the body via the external urethral meatus. In humans, the typical amount of urine eliminated per day ranges from 800 to 2000 mL. Elimination of urine is essential to remove waste products (e.g. urea and uric acid) from the body. The urinary system is also essential for regulating electrolyte balance, acid-base homeostasis, and blood volume (blood pressure).
Synonym(s):
- renal system
See also:
