Know the Function of the Urinary System and Diseases That Can Attack it

The urinary system is an organ system that functions to filter and remove waste substances by producing urine. If the functioning of this system is disrupted, waste and toxins can accumulate in the body and cause various health problems.

The urinary system or urinary tract consists of kidneys, bladder, ureters, and also the urethra (urinary tract). Every part of the urinary system has its own function and role. Through the urinary tract, urine carrying waste and toxins will be removed from the body.

Part of the Urinary System and its Functions

Urine is liquid waste consisting of water, salt, and the body's metabolic waste, such as urea and uric acid. For urination or urination to proceed normally, all parts of the urinary system need to work properly.

The following are organs belonging to the urinary system and their functions:

1. Kidney

The human body has a pair of kidneys located in the left and right back area, just below the back ribs. Each kidney has a size as big as an adult's fist and is shaped like a bean.

The main function of the kidneys is to regulate the amount of water in the blood, filter waste substances or the rest of the body's metabolism, produce hormones that function to control blood pressure and red blood cell production, and regulate blood pH or acidity levels.

2. Ureter

The ureter is part of the urinary system that is shaped like a pipe or tube. Ureter functions to drain urine from each kidney to be accommodated in the bladder.

3. Bladder

The organ in the lower abdomen is responsible for storing urine. If the bladder is completely filled with urine, there will be an urge to urinate. The adult bladder can accommodate up to 300-500 ml of urine.

4. Urethra

The urethra or urethra is a channel that connects the bladder to the urinary tract in the tip of the penis or vagina.

The urethra in men has a length of about 20 cm, while the urethra in women is only about 4 cm. In the part between the bladder and urethra, there is a muscular ring or sphincter in charge of keeping urine from leaking.

Various Diseases of the Urinary System

Disturbances in the urinary system can be detected from changes in urine color. Healthy and normal urine is generally clear, yellowish to golden yellow. The color of the urine comes from a substance called urochrome. However, consumption of certain foods and drugs can sometimes also change the color of urine.

Problems with the urinary system or urinary tract are not only marked by changes in the color of urine. The following are some of the problems or diseases that can occur in the urinary system:

1. Urinary tract infections

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are infections that occur in any part of the urinary system, from the kidneys to the urinary tract. Women are at greater risk for UTI than men. This is because the distance between the urinary tract and the anus in women is closer.

2. Urinary tract stones

Urinary tract stones (urolithiasis) are conditions when stones in the urinary system are formed, such as kidney stones, ureteric stones, or bladder stones. Stone sizes generally vary. The greater the size of the stone formed, the greater the risk of the stone clogging urine flow and causing disease.

3. Urinary incontinence

Urinary incontinence is a condition when muscle or nerve function in the bladder and urinary tract is disrupted, so it cannot control the process of urination.

This disease can make you suddenly wet yourself, especially when coughing or sneezing. Urinary incontinence often occurs in the elderly, but it does not rule out younger people also experiencing it.

4. Urethritis

Urethritis is inflammation of the urethra. This condition is often caused by a bacterial infection in the urinary tract. Urethritis can cause pain and an urge to urinate more frequently.

5. Nephrotic syndrome

Nephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder that causes levels of protein in the urine to increase. This condition is usually caused by damage to small blood vessels in the kidneys that function to filter waste and excess water from the blood. Nephrotic syndrome can be caused by various things, such as a history of infection and inflammation.

Nephrotic syndrome can cause symptoms such as foamy urine, fatigue, no appetite, and swelling in the legs, face, and various parts of the body, such as the face and around the eyes.

6. Nephritic Syndrome

Nephritic syndrome is swelling or inflammation of the kidneys. This condition can cause pelvic pain, urination more often and feel pain, urine looks turbid or reddish, lumbago or stomach, as well as swelling on the face and legs. If not treated immediately, the nephritic syndrome can cause kidney failure.

7. Kidney failure

Kidney failure occurs when the kidneys are unable to filter blood and dispose of body fluids and waste substances.

Kidney damage that causes kidney failure can be caused by various things, ranging from side effects of drugs, severe injury to the kidneys, dehydration, to certain diseases, such as hypertension and chronic diabetes that are not handled properly.

When experiencing kidney failure, a person will experience some symptoms such as a reduced amount of urine, not urinating at all for days, swelling in the legs, shortness of breath, weakness, until pale.

If you experience problems in the urinary system, especially if accompanied by complaints such as fever, back pain or very heavy back, pain when urinating, and there is blood or pus in the urine, immediately consult a urologist to get proper treatment.

Proper diagnosis and treatment will prevent damage to the urinary system so that the condition can be treated properly. This is important to prevent further complications due to severe damage to the urinary system.

Share this post

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER