O urinary system Its main functions are the filtering of blood and the formation of urine, a yellowish substance rich in toxic products and which were present in excess in the body. The main organ of this system is the kidney and it is there where these two processes take place.
Every human being has a pair of kidneys located in the posterior region of the abdomen and protected by the ribs. Due to the position of the liver, the right kidney has a lower position compared to the left kidney.
You kidneys they have a reddish-brown color and a shape that resembles a large bean, with a convex edge and a concave region through which the renal artery and vein penetrate. In adult individuals, this structure is about 12 cm long and 6 cm wide. Some authors like to claim that the organ is the size of a clenched hand.
Externally, the kidney has a capsule that protects it and keeps it in its proper position. Internally it is possible to distinguish three main parts: the cortex, medulla and renal pelvis.
Look closely at the structure of the kidney.
→ Cortex: is the outermost portion of the kidney and is located just below the renal capsule. In this region are located the nephrons, the functional structures of the kidney where the urine formation. Each nephron is formed by a glomerulus located inside a capsule and by the nephric tubule. It is in the region of the capsule that blood filtration occurs.
→ Marrow: Just below the cortex, you can see the medulla. This region has triangular structures that are called kidney pyramids. The apex of these pyramids faces the pelvis region, while their base faces the cortex. At the apex of the pyramids, the renal papillae are located, which are surrounded by structures called smaller calyxes, which, in turn, unite and form the larger calyxes.
→ Renal pelvis: is formed by joining two or three larger chalices. In this region, the famous kidney stones, also known as kidney stones, which stand out for the great pain generated in patients who have them. Stones can also be formed in the region of the cups.
After being formed in the kidneys, the urine it moves towards the ureters, which take it to the bladder, where it is stored. The elimination of urine out of the body takes place through the urethra.
Curiosity: Our kidneys filter, on average, 180 liters of blood a day, forming approximately 1.5 liters of urine.
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