23.1
The upper urinary system includes two kidneys and two ureters.
The kidneys are a pair of organs shaped like a bean in the retroperitoneal space.
Each kidney is wrapped in a tough, protective layer called the renal capsule, which is cushioned with fat to help keep it in place and shield it from injury.
There are two main parts inside: the outer cortex, which contains nephrons, and the inner medulla, which consists of renal pyramids directing filtered substances toward the renal pelvis.
Within the cortex, each nephron starts with the glomerulus, a network of tiny blood vessels surrounded by a Bowman's capsule. It is followed by a proximal convoluted tubule, a loop of Henle, and a distal convoluted tubule before reaching a collecting duct.
Finally, the ureters are long, slender tubes that transfer urine from the kidneys to the bladder. Each ureter is about 25 to 30 centimeters long and has three layers: an innermost mucosa, a middle muscular layer, and an outer adventitia.
The upper urinary system comprises two kidneys and two ureters, which are crucial in filtering blood and forming urine.
Location and Structure:
Protective Layers:
Internal Structure:
The kidney's interior is divided into two regions: the outer cortex and the inner medulla.
Functional Units – Nephrons:
Each kidney contains approximately one million nephrons. Nephrons are composed of:
Structure and Function:
Anatomy of the Ureter Wall:
The upper urinary system includes two kidneys and two ureters.
The kidneys are a pair of organs shaped like a bean in the retroperitoneal space.
Each kidney is wrapped in a tough, protective layer called the renal capsule, which is cushioned with fat to help keep it in place and shield it from injury.
There are two main parts inside: the outer cortex, which contains nephrons, and the inner medulla, which consists of renal pyramids directing filtered substances toward the renal pelvis.
Within the cortex, each nephron starts with the glomerulus, a network of tiny blood vessels surrounded by a Bowman's capsule. It is followed by a proximal convoluted tubule, a loop of Henle, and a distal convoluted tubule before reaching a collecting duct.
Finally, the ureters are long, slender tubes that transfer urine from the kidneys to the bladder. Each ureter is about 25 to 30 centimeters long and has three layers: an innermost mucosa, a middle muscular layer, and an outer adventitia.
From Chapter 23:
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