Osmosis video - Urinary system: Structure and function

The urinary system is composed of several organs and structures that work together to produce, store, and eliminate urine from the body. The urinary system has several important functions in the body, including excretion of waste products, regulation of fluid balance, regulation of electrolyte balance and maintenance of blood pressure.

The main organs of the urinary system are the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located in the back of the abdominal cavity, one on each side of the spine. They are responsible for filtering waste products and excess water from the blood to produce urine. The urine flows from the kidneys through the ureters, which are two long, narrow tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder.

The bladder is a muscular sac located in the pelvis that stores urine until it is ready to be eliminated from the body. When the bladder is full, it signals the brain, and the person experiences the sensation of needing to urinate. The urine is then eliminated from the body through the urethra, which is a tube that extends from the bladder to the external opening.