The urinary system is responsible for producing, storing, and removing urine from the body. Urine is a metabolic waste fluid excreted by the kidneys. The kidneys create urine by filtering waste products, toxins, and excess water from the bloodstream. Urine then travels from the kidneys through two thin tubes called ureters before collecting in the bladder. When the bladder is full, you feel the urge to urinate, and urine exits the body through the urethra.

In simple terms, after you drink, several hours later the body will excrete urine to remove metabolic waste and extra fluid from the body.

Organs in the Urinary System

The kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra work together to filter blood, reabsorb nutrients the body needs, separate substances for excretion, and discharge liquid waste. Here is how each organ functions:

Kidneys

The kidneys are the primary organs for filtering blood and producing urine, working around the clock. They are shaped like beans and sit on either side of the spine, beneath the ribs, and behind the abdominal cavity. Each kidney is roughly the size of a large fist.

Ureters

Ureters are the channels that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. Humans have two ureters, one connected to each kidney. Their walls are made of smooth muscle that rhythmically contracts to push urine toward the bladder. Ureters can become blocked or infected, and if these issues are not treated, they can lead to kidney damage.

Bladder

The bladder is a hollow, flexible organ that stretches as it fills and contracts when empty. Inside are folds of mucosa, called rugae, which unfold to accommodate increasing volume. When empty, the bladder wall thickens and the organ feels firm.

As urine enters from the ureters, the bladder wall becomes thinner and rises toward the abdominal cavity. An adult bladder can hold about 450 to 700 milliliters of urine, although the urge to urinate often begins when it is roughly one quarter full.

Urethra

The urethra is a narrow tube connected to the bladder that allows urine to leave the body. The female urethra is shorter, about 3.8 centimeters long, while the male urethra is longer, around 17.7 to 20 centimeters, depending on penile length.

In males, the urethra functions for both urination and the passage of semen.

How to Keep the Urinary System Healthy

Problems affecting any part of the urinary system can contribute to chronic kidney disease. A healthy lifestyle and good personal hygiene support proper function of these organs.

Steps to maintain urinary health include:

1. Drink enough water

Good hydration helps flush the urinary tract and may lower the risk of kidney stones and urinary tract infections.

2. Eat a balanced diet

Eating habits of consuming food lower in sodium and adequate in calcium can help reduce the risk of kidney stone formation.

3. Clean properly

Experts advise women to wipe front to back with toilet paper. This habit helps prevent bacteria from reaching the vagina and reduces the chance of urinary tract infections.

4. Empty the bladder

Women are encouraged to urinate after intercourse to clear bacteria from the urethra and lower the risk of urinary tract infections.

5. Use a condom

Protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections by using condoms during intercourse and avoiding multiple sexual partners. You may also consider spermicide, which can assist in reducing bacterial exposure.

6. Do Kegel exercises

Kegel exercises strengthen pelvic floor muscles and can help lower the risk of urinary incontinence. Incontinence often occurs when the muscles and nerves that control bladder storage and release do not function optimally, which can lead to accidental leakage during actions such as coughing or sneezing.

Looking for more information about other diseases? Click here!