Kidneys and Urinary Tract Archives - Healthhype https://healthhype.com/category/kidneys-urinary-tract Current Health Articles on Symptoms, Diseases and Treatment Thu, 14 Jun 2012 23:51:47 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://healthhype.com/wp-content/uploads/logoicon.png Kidneys and Urinary Tract Archives - Healthhype https://healthhype.com/category/kidneys-urinary-tract 32 32 Bladder (Urinary), Anatomy, Location, Parts and Pictures https://healthhype.com/bladder-urinary-anatomy-location-parts-and-pictures.html https://healthhype.com/bladder-urinary-anatomy-location-parts-and-pictures.html#respond Tue, 25 Jan 2011 17:23:42 +0000 http://www.healthhype.com/?p=14381 The urinary bladder is a hollow muscular organ located in the lesser pelvis when empty. It serves as a reservoir for urine and can stretch considerably to store close to a maximum of 500 milliliters of urine. The average full bladder that is not overly distended contains about 350 milliliters of urine. It receives urine produced in the kidneys via the ureters and passes it out into the external environment through the urethra. Anatomy of the Urinary Bladder The empty urinary bladder is somewhat tetrahedral in shape – like a three sided pyramid with a triangular base (illustrated in diagram). This gives the bladder one superior surface (top), two inferolateral surfaces (sides) and a posterior surface (back). The external aspect of the superior surface of the bladder is covered by peritoneum. The internal surface of the bladder is lined with mucosa, which is folded to form rugae. This makes the internal surface of the bladder rough except for the smooth area of the trigone. The bulk of the bladder wall is composed of the detrusor muscle. which is smooth muscle and therefore under involuntary control. Parts of the Urinary Bladder The apex of the bladder points forward towards the pubic [...]

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]]> https://healthhype.com/bladder-urinary-anatomy-location-parts-and-pictures.html/feed 0 Types of Bladder Cancer and Staging of Bladder Malignancy https://healthhype.com/types-of-bladder-cancer-and-staging-of-bladder-malignancy.html https://healthhype.com/types-of-bladder-cancer-and-staging-of-bladder-malignancy.html#respond Thu, 24 Feb 2011 23:04:05 +0000 http://www.healthhype.com/?p=14927 Types of Bladder Cancer More than 90% of bladder cancer are transitional cell carcinomas and less frequent malignant tumors arising from bladder are squamous cell carcinoma (5%), adenocarcinoma (3%) and undifferentiated carcinomas (like small cell carcinoma and giant cell carcinoma; 1%). Sarcoma, melanoma and lymphomas of the bladder are extremely rare. Some patients develop mixed-cellularity type of cancers with transitional cell predominance. The TCCs have a tendency for high chance of recurrence, progression of pathologic stages and to develop in multiple sites simultaneously. Transitional cell carcinoma of the urethra can develop simultaneously or later in about 15% of the patients with bladder cancer. Increased urethral involvement is seen in association with carcinoma in situ (CIS) involving the bladder neck. The bladder tumors can be broadly grouped in to three categories which can differ in the clinical behavior, the primary treatment and the response to treatment. The groups are superficial, muscle-invasive and metastatic type. Most of the newly detected bladder cancers are the superficial type and majority are exophytic papillary TCCs. Superficial tumors are graded as low grade (G1), intermediate grade (G2), or high (G3) grade. Grading of superficial type tumors is more important for management unlike the invasive tumors which [...]

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]]> https://healthhype.com/types-of-bladder-cancer-and-staging-of-bladder-malignancy.html/feed 0 Urinary Tract Anatomy, Location, Parts and Pictures https://healthhype.com/urinary-tract-anatomy-location-parts-and-pictures.html https://healthhype.com/urinary-tract-anatomy-location-parts-and-pictures.html#respond Mon, 18 Jul 2011 18:39:20 +0000 http://www.healthhype.com/?p=18069 The organs of urinary system includes the kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder and urethra. Collectively, these organs produce urine, store it and pass it out of the body. The process, however, has far reaching consequences in the body and an integral role in maintaining homeostasis. Since the kidney controls the fluid volume and electrolyte levels in the body, it can impact on blood pressure, heart function and even influence nerve and muscle activity  to some degree. The urinary tract can be divided broadly into upper and lower parts. The kidneys and most of the upper part of the ureters comprise the upper urinary tract, while the distal parts of the ureters, urinary bladder and urethra make up the lower urinary tract. Other neighboring organs and structures which may not be part of the urinary system also impact on urinary function, in particular the genitalia, and therefore the term genitourinary system is often preferred anatomically. Parts of the Urinary Tract The urinary tract comprises 4 main parts : Kidneys (one on either side) Ureters (one from either kidney) Bladder Urethra Kidneys The kidneys are ovoid, often referred to as bean-shaped, reddish-brown organs located on either side of the upper abdomen, on the [...]

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]]> https://healthhype.com/urinary-tract-anatomy-location-parts-and-pictures.html/feed 0 Acute Kidney Failure (Acute Renal Failure, ARF) https://healthhype.com/acute-kidney-failure-acute-renal-failure-arf.html https://healthhype.com/acute-kidney-failure-acute-renal-failure-arf.html#respond Wed, 20 Jul 2011 00:21:32 +0000 http://www.healthhype.com/?p=18095 The kidneys are important organs that have several functions in the body. The primary function is the filtration of waste products from the blood, but in the process, the kidneys also regulate the water and electrolyte levels in the body. The latter therefore impacts on blood volume and blood pressure. It can influence heart, nerve and muscle functioning and therefore cause a host of physiological effects in every organ in the body. There are a number of different types of kidney diseases that either affect certain parts of the kidney, the kidney as a whole or disrupt the function of the kidney despite there being no anatomical or physiological abnormality in the kidney itself. Globally, chronic kidney disease accounts for hundreds of millions of death globally. Kidney disease when severe may result in acute or chronic kidney failure, also referred to as renal failure. What is acute kidney failure? Acute kidney failure or acute renal failure is a state where the normal functioning of the kidneys are disrupted entirely or almost entirely. There is a rapid decline in the kidney’s filtration function which leads to an increase in metabolites (waste products) in the bloodstream. However, with acute kidney failure, the [...]

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]]> https://healthhype.com/acute-kidney-failure-acute-renal-failure-arf.html/feed 0 Pyelonephritis (Kidney Infection) Causes, Signs and Symptoms https://healthhype.com/pyelonephritis-kidney-infection-causes-signs-and-symptoms.html https://healthhype.com/pyelonephritis-kidney-infection-causes-signs-and-symptoms.html#respond Fri, 15 Jul 2011 21:45:54 +0000 http://www.healthhype.com/?p=18033 The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs lying on either side of the back of the upper abdomen. It is tucked under the ribcage. On a daily basis, the kidneys filter over 1.5 liters of blood and forms approximately 1 liter of urine containing waste products, water and electrolytes. This is then passed down the ureters into the hollow bladder which stores the urine. Once the bladder is almost full and the setting is appropriate, the urine is passed out through the urethra into the environment. The kidney is a complex organ with three distinct layers known as the medulla, cortex and pelvis and its basic functional unit is the nephron. By filtering the blood at the head of the nephron (glomerulus) the fluid within the nephron is then processed as it passes through the remainder of the nephron (tubule). Excess water, electrolytes, toxins and metabolites are reabsorbed or secreted until the final product (urine) can be discarded. Along this process, the kidneys are also able to regulate the salt-water balance in the body, blood volume and the blood pressure. What is pyelonephritis? Pyelonephritis is the medical term for inflammation of the renal pelvis, tubules and interstitium most commonly associated with [...]

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]]> https://healthhype.com/pyelonephritis-kidney-infection-causes-signs-and-symptoms.html/feed 0 Kidney Dialysis Methods, Machine and Indications for its Use https://healthhype.com/kidney-dialysis-methods-machine-and-indications-for-its-use.html https://healthhype.com/kidney-dialysis-methods-machine-and-indications-for-its-use.html#respond Mon, 20 Jun 2011 23:01:44 +0000 http://www.healthhype.com/?p=17651 One of the most important functions of the kidneys in a healthy individual is to filter and remove harmful waste products from the blood. Furthermore, by regulating the amount of urine excreted, the kidneys can help to maintain the fluid balance of the body. Blood electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and bicarbonate levels are maintained by healthy kidneys, which are also important in controlling blood pressure. However, in circumstances where the kidneys are unable to perform these functions due a person developing end-stage kidney failure, there are usually two options available – kidney transplant or renal dialysis, which come under the term renal replacement therapy. What is Dialysis? Renal dialysis or kidney dialysis is a process that takes over the functions of the failed kidneys by removing harmful waste substances from the blood. Short-term dialysis may be conducted in some cases of acute kidney failure, where there are chances of improvement of kidney function following treatment. Long-term dialysis is necessary in patients where there is irreversible damage to the kidney and is therefore the only means of sustaining life without a kidney transplant. Despite the life-saving function of dialysis, it is not able to replace the activity of health kidneys. [...]

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]]> https://healthhype.com/kidney-dialysis-methods-machine-and-indications-for-its-use.html/feed 0 Nephron (Glomerulus and Tubule) Structure, Diagram, Functions https://healthhype.com/nephron-glomerulus-and-tubule-structure-diagram-functions.html https://healthhype.com/nephron-glomerulus-and-tubule-structure-diagram-functions.html#respond Thu, 16 Jun 2011 21:23:34 +0000 http://www.healthhype.com/?p=17606 The main function of the kidney is to filter fluid from the blood and concentrate the solution of waste materials which is passed out as urine. It can also control the levels of electrolytes and water that is lost in the urine or retained in the body thereby influencing blood volume and blood pressure. This ensures that the body is able to maintain a state of balance that is optimum for sustaining life (homeostasis). The kidney broadly has three main regions, an outer lying cortex, middle region known as the medulla and inner pelvis. The renal cortex and medulla is where the main processes of urine production occurs. The urine then accumulates in the renal pelvis and is directed towards the ureter, a narrow tube that carries urine from the kidney to the urinary bladder. What is the nephron? The nephron is the main functional unit of the kidney which is responsible for filtering the blood and concentrating the solution to produce urine. In the process, macronutrients, electrolytes and the required amount of water are retained while waste substances,  excess electrolytes, micronutrients and toxins are expelled. There are some 1 million nephrons in each kidney but this number gradually decreases [...]

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]]> https://healthhype.com/nephron-glomerulus-and-tubule-structure-diagram-functions.html/feed 0 Hydronephrosis (Kidney Swelling with Urine Blockage) https://healthhype.com/hydronephrosis-kidney-swelling-with-urine-blockage.html https://healthhype.com/hydronephrosis-kidney-swelling-with-urine-blockage.html#respond Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:10:11 +0000 http://www.healthhype.com/?p=20573 The kidneys are the two bean-shaped organs located on either side of the abdominal cavity. It is responsible for the expulsion of waste substances from the body and also has an effect on blood pressure and other vital functions. The human kidneys filter blood throughout the day and night thereby producing some 1 to 2 liters of urine daily on average. The urine is then passed down the ureters on either side and drains into the urinary bladder. Here it is stored until there is the need to expel this urine. The human bladder can hold about 500ml of urine and once full, the body is signaled that this accumulated urine needs to be passed out into the environment. When the setting is appropriate, the sphincters open and the muscular wall of the bladder contracts tightly thereby propelling the urine into the urethra and out into the exterior. Any blockage either in the upper or lower urinary tract can hamper the passage of urine. If the urine produced then accumulates to a significant degree, it can cause expansion of the urinary tract above the site of the obstruction. What is hydronephrosis? Hydronephrosis is the distention of certain parts of the [...]

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]]> https://healthhype.com/hydronephrosis-kidney-swelling-with-urine-blockage.html/feed 0 Trigonitis (Trigone of the Urinary Bladder Cell Changes) https://healthhype.com/trigonitis-trigone-of-the-urinary-bladder-cell-changes.html https://healthhype.com/trigonitis-trigone-of-the-urinary-bladder-cell-changes.html#respond Mon, 28 May 2012 20:13:10 +0000 http://www.healthhype.com/?p=21800 What is trigonitis? Trigonitis is a condition where the the cells lining the lower part of the bladder undergo changes into a different cell type. The affected part of the bladder is known as the trigone, hence the term trigonitis. There is often confusion about trigonitis since the term -itis usually indicates inflammation. While there may have been some inflammation, the condition trigonitis specifically focuses on the changes in the normal cells lining the bladder. The concept of cells undergoing abnormal changes raises the question about cancer. However, the cellular changes in trigonitis is benign (non-cancerous) and does not have any potential to become malignant (cancerous). Trigonitis mainly occurs in women of childbearing age. It occurs in a minority of men and is almost never seen in children. Pseudomembranous Trigonitis Trigonitis where there are changes in the type of tissue lining the bladder is more correctly known by the medical term pseudomembranous trigonitis. Although the term trigonitis can also refer to inflammation of the bladder lining, this is usually encompassed by the term cystitis. Location of the Trigone The trigone of the urinary bladder is the triangular shaped area on the back wall of the bladder. It is marked by [...]

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]]> https://healthhype.com/trigonitis-trigone-of-the-urinary-bladder-cell-changes.html/feed 0 Renal Artery Stenosis (Narrow Kidney Artery) https://healthhype.com/renal-artery-stenosis-narrow-kidney-artery.html https://healthhype.com/renal-artery-stenosis-narrow-kidney-artery.html#respond Thu, 14 Jun 2012 23:39:47 +0000 http://www.healthhype.com/?p=21980 What is renal artery stenosis? Renal artery stenosis is a narrowing of the artery that carries blood to the kidney. It may occur in one or both arteries and its branches. When the artery is fully blocked then it is known as renal artery occlusion. As the artery narrows it reduces the blood flow to the kidney and this gradually compromises kidney function and even structure. As with narrowing of other arteries in the body, it tends to occur as a consequence of atherosclerosis where fatty plaques build up in the artery wall. Eventually blockage arises with a blood clot. Renal artery stenosis more often occurs in older patients and may account for about one-fifth of kidney diseases in people older than 50 years. Renal Artery Stenosis Meaning Anatomy of the renal artery The renal artery arises from either side of the abdominal aorta. Just before the renal artery reaches the kidney, it branches off into 4 to 5 branches. The arteries accompany the renal veins and ureters to the hilum of the kidney (renal hilum). Sometimes there may be two or more renal arteries to a single kidney which are known as supernumerary renal arteries. Up to one-third of [...]

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