Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

25. The Urinary System

Introduction to the Urinary System

Anatomy & Physiology

25. The Urinary System

Introduction to the Urinary System

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Problem 17

Textbook Question

Fill in the blanks for each of the following statements:
a. The process by which urine is eliminated is called ___, and it is mediated by reflexes involving the _ nervous system.
b. The mucosa of the organs of the urinary tract is lined with _ epithelium.
c. The three layers of smooth muscle in the urinary bladder are known as the _ muscle.
d. The female urethra provides a passageway for _, whereas the male urethra provides a passageway for _ and ___.

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: For part (a), identify the process by which urine is eliminated from the body. This process involves the contraction of the bladder and relaxation of the sphincters, which is controlled by reflexes involving the autonomic nervous system. Specifically, determine which branch of the autonomic nervous system (sympathetic or parasympathetic) is responsible for this reflex.

Step 2: For part (b), recall the type of epithelium that lines the mucosa of the urinary tract. This epithelium is specialized to stretch and return to its original shape, accommodating the fluctuating volume of urine.

Step 3: For part (c), identify the name of the three layers of smooth muscle in the urinary bladder. These layers work together to contract and expel urine during urination.

Step 4: For part (d), consider the function of the female urethra, which serves as a passageway for a specific substance. Then, identify the dual functions of the male urethra, which serves as a passageway for two different substances.

Step 5: Review the anatomy and physiology of the urinary system to ensure that the blanks are filled with the correct terms based on their respective functions and structures.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Micturition

Micturition is the physiological process of urine elimination from the bladder, commonly referred to as urination. This process is primarily controlled by the autonomic nervous system, which mediates reflexes that coordinate the contraction of the bladder muscles and the relaxation of the urethral sphincters, allowing for the expulsion of urine.

Transitional Epithelium

Transitional epithelium is a specialized type of stratified epithelium found lining the urinary tract, including the bladder, ureters, and part of the urethra. This epithelium is unique because it can stretch and change shape, accommodating the fluctuating volume of urine in the bladder while providing a barrier to prevent urine from leaking into surrounding tissues.

Detrusor Muscle

The detrusor muscle is a layer of smooth muscle found in the wall of the urinary bladder. It consists of three layers that work together to contract and relax during the micturition process, facilitating the storage and expulsion of urine. Proper functioning of the detrusor muscle is essential for normal bladder control and urinary function.

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