Urinary System
The urinary system is responsible for the body's intake of nutrients. It is made up of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, sphincter, and the urethra which all help to take the nutrients out of food that is ingested and turn it into energy for the body. Once the body has sorted through nutrients and waste, the wastes are left in the bowel and in the blood. The kidneys help to balance and remove the chemical urea from the blood. The kidneys also help regulate blood pressure and the production of RBCs in the bone marrow.
Diseases
HematuriaHematuria is the presence of blood in the urine. It is difficult to see with the naked eye. In some occasions, the red blood cells can be seen when the urine is noticeably discolored (extremely bloody/red, dark, soda colored).
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CystitisUrinary tract infection (UTI). This is an infection that happens anywhere within the urinary tract. Names of these infections vary due to he location of the infection.
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PyelonephritisPyelonephritis occurs when a UTI progresses. It involves the upper urinary system whereas cystitis involves the bladder and urethra, or the lower urinary system. This occurs when the bacteria enters the body beginning at the urethra and travels up to the bladder.
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Renal Calculi(Kidney stones) Renal calculi are a solid mass of tiny crystals that build up in the kidneys. Several different stones can be formed at the same time and they can all be located in the kidneys at the same time. Once treated, it can reoccur.
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ProstatitisProstatitis is the swelling and inflammation of the prostate gland. The prostate is found in men, bellow the bladder. It can be caused by a bacterial infection. Other causes are usually left as unknown. When caused by a bacterial infection, the treatment is typically successful and not deadly.
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Renal FailureRenal failure is when the kidneys shut down. The purpose of the kidneys is to regulate water and salt in the body. They are also responsible for the removal of waste in the blood stream. When the kidneys shut down, the wastes build up with the blood. Without immediate treatment (usually a kidney transplant), the patient will die.
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Benign Prostatic HyperplasiaBenign prostatic hyperplasia is the enlargement of the prostate gland. It is more common in older men. It can slow or even stop the flow of urine and can also cause an upstream effect in the urinary tract, bladder, or kidney.
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