The Structure, Function and Disorders of the Renal System

The Structure of Renal System:

The renal system, also known as the urinary system, consists of a pair of kidneys, two ureters, the urinary bladder, and the urethra.
The kidneys are located on each side of the vertebral column, and are surrounded by a layer of fat for protection.
Ureters are tubular structures that transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
The bladder is a muscular sac which stores urine until it’s excreted from the body through the urethra.

The Function of Renal System:

The primary function of the kidneys is to filter waste products, excess water, and electrolytes from the blood. These waste products include urea, toxins, and drugs.
The kidneys also regulate the body’s balance of electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, and calcium.
Additionally, the kidneys maintain the body’s pH balance and regulate the production of red blood cells by releasing the hormone erythropoietin when oxygen levels are low.
Once the kidneys have filtered the blood, the waste products form urine which is then transported through the ureters to the bladder.

Disorders of the Renal System:

Renal Failure: This is a severe condition that occurs when the kidneys either partially or completely lose their filtering capabilities. Acute renal failure may result from conditions that hamper the blood supply to the kidneys, while chronic renal failure is usually the result of long term damage to the kidneys.
Kidney Stones: These are hard deposits of salts and other minerals that form inside the kidneys. The stones can range in size and cause pain when they’re passed.
Polycystic Kidney Disease: This is an inherited disorder in which clusters of cysts develop primarily within your kidneys.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): These are typically bacterial infections affecting any part of the urinary system. Most UTIs occur in the bladder and the urethra but can develop anywhere along this pathway.