Diseases of the Urinary System
The urinary system aids in removing liquid wastes from the body. Urine is produced as a result of the kidneys' ongoing filtering of blood to remove unnecessary chemicals and water. The urinary system filters blood and produces urine as a waste byproduct. The urinary system is vital because it eliminates wastes and surplus fluid from the circulation. The urinary system organs comprise the kidneys, ureters, bladder, sphincter muscles and urethra. Kidneys: The kidneys are bean-shaped organs that are located near the middle of the back, right under the rib cage. These organs -- the size of a human fist -- remove wastes from the blood through structures that act as filters (nephrons). As blood passes through the kidney, the filters remove wastes and form urine. Ureters: Once urine forms in the kidneys, it flows through small tubes (ureters) to the bladder. The ureters are typically between 8 and 10 inches in length. Muscles surrounding the ureters expand and contract to help urine