Introduction

Learning objectives

Recognize the structures that make up the urinary tract and their main functions.
Understand the role of the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra in the production, transport, storage and emptying of urine.
Identify the zones of the prostate that are relevant to urologic disease.

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Video

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Summary

What structures make up the urinary tract?

The urinary tract consists of:

two kidneys;
two ureters;
bladder;
urethra.

From a urologic standpoint, it is also essential to know the anatomy of the prostate, penis, scrotum, testicles, epididymides and spermatic cords.

Kidneys

The kidneys are retroperitoneal organs whose main function is to maintain the body's homeostasis through the formation of urine.

They take part in:

elimination of waste products;
regulation of water and electrolytes;
acid-base balance;
blood pressure regulation;
erythropoietin production;
vitamin D metabolism.

The functional unit of the kidney is the nephron.

The urine formed flows to the renal calyces, then to the renal pelvis and from there to the ureter.

Ureters

They are muscular structures that carry urine from the renal pelvis to the bladder by peristaltic movements.

They have anatomical segments of narrower caliber where stones most frequently become impacted.

Bladder

It is a muscular organ whose function is to store urine at low pressure and then expel it in a coordinated manner.

Its main muscular component is the detrusor.

Urethra

It carries urine from the bladder to the outside.

The male urethra is considerably longer and passes through the prostate, so many prostatic diseases can affect urinary emptying.

Prostate

It is a gland located below the bladder and around the proximal urethra.

Two zones are especially important:

Transition zone

Main site of development of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Peripheral zone

Site where many prostate cancers originate.

Key concept

To understand Urology, you have to think of the urinary tract as a system of production → transport → storage → emptying of urine.

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PDF

⬇ Download lesson summary

Downloadable PDF pending upload.

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Practical algorithm

What is wrong with the patient? → history.
What symptoms does the patient have? → characterize them correctly.
What do I find? → focused physical exam.
What is my diagnostic hypothesis?
Which test do I really need to answer it?
Is there any situation that requires referral or urgent treatment?

To remember

Urologic semiology is not about ordering many tests, but about formulating the clinical question correctly and choosing the test that can answer it.

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Self-assessment

Questions pending upload 5–10 multiple-choice questions on this lesson.

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References

Links pending upload References to PubMed, DOI, scientific society guidelines and journals.

Anatomy and physiology of the urinary tract