13 Correctly label the following components of the urinary system. 2 points Urethra Left kidney ook Vertebra L2 Print Right kidney SSS References Urinary bladder Inferior vena cava Renal vein Ureter Reset Zoom < prev=”” 13=”” of=”” 50=”” !=”” next=””>
The correct answer and explanation is:
iturn0image0turn0image1turn0image2turn0image10The urinary system plays a crucial role in filtering blood, removing waste products, and maintaining the body’s fluid and electrolyte balance. It comprises several key components, each with specific functions:
- Right Kidney: Located on the right side of the body, this bean-shaped organ filters blood to remove waste, which is then converted into urine.
- Left Kidney: Situated on the left side, it performs similar functions as the right kidney, ensuring the body’s internal environment remains stable.
- Ureter: A pair of muscular tubes, each emerging from a kidney, transporting urine to the urinary bladder.
- Urinary Bladder: A hollow, muscular organ that stores urine until it’s ready to be expelled from the body.
- Urethra: The duct through which urine exits the bladder and is discharged from the body.
- Renal Vein: Vessels that carry filtered blood away from the kidneys back toward the heart.
- Inferior Vena Cava: A large vein that collects deoxygenated blood from the lower half of the body, including the renal veins, and returns it to the heart.
- Vertebra L2: The second lumbar vertebra in the spinal column, providing structural support and protection to the spinal cord.
Understanding the anatomy of the urinary system is essential for comprehending how our bodies maintain internal balance and eliminate waste. The kidneys, positioned retroperitoneally on either side of the spine, filter blood to produce urine. This urine travels down the ureters to the bladder, where it’s stored until excretion through the urethra. The renal veins ensure that cleansed blood returns to systemic circulation via the inferior vena cava. The proximity of the kidneys to the lumbar vertebrae, specifically L2, is a notable anatomical relationship, as it provides a landmark for medical professionals during assessments or procedures.
For a visual representation and further details, you can refer to the following resources: