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Male Urinary System

The Male Urinary System is primarily responsible for the waste and elimination of urine.

This system is a complex system that involves feedback and direction from other body systems and organs.

Humans produce around 1.5 liters of urine in a 24-hour period.

Urine is a byproduct of kidney function and helps the body eliminate waste.

There are several functions of the Urinary System

1.)  Removal of Waste Products from the body

–  Primarily Urea and Uric Acid

2.)  Maintain Electrolyte Balance

–  Regulation of Sodium, Calcium, Potassium, and others

3.)  Acid-Base Regulation through balance and Homeostasis

4.)  Controlling the volume of blood.

5.)  Maintaining Blood pressure through Volume

Anatomical Aspects of This System Include:

1.)  Kidney
2.)  Ureters
3.)  Bladder
4.)  Urethra

Kidney

–  The kidney concentrates the urine by regulating electrolytes and removes the urea from the blood and other wastes.
–  Urea is an organic compound that was discovered in 1773.
–  This compound is soluble in water and is essentially a waste product.
–  Production of urea occurs in the liver and is the result of the breakdown of some amino acids.

Bladder

–  The bladder is an organ that is hollow.
–  It is layered similar to a balloon with several muscles that make up this organ.
–  The muscle is a Smooth Muscle
–  This allows the bladder to enlarge when it becomes full and small when empty.
–  Overall the bladder can hold 400-620 ml but the maximum is twice this amount if the outflow is obstructed.
–  Males: The bladder lies between the rectum and the pubic symphysis.
–  It is just above the prostate.

Urethra

–  This is the endpoint of the urinary system.
–  Urine and other wastes start from the kidney and then to the bladder prior to passing through the urethra and then out through the tip of the penis.
–  This tube connects the bladder to the outside of the body.
–  Control of excretion of urine is through the urethral sphincter
–  Male: The urethra also has a role in sexual reproduction because the function of the urethra is a passageway for semen

Urine Formation

–  Average Urine production is 1-2 Liters per day
–  This can change depending on medical conditions, water intake, activity level, weight, health, environmental factors, and more.
–  Filtration of the blood pulls out some waste and some fluid.
–  Filtration happens in the kidneys – specifically in the nephrons.
–  GFR or Glomerular Filtration Rate is the amount of Filtrate produced every minute.
–  Kidney problems or failure can decrease this rate.
–  Chemicals, hormones, and Body Systems help regulate Urine Formation is very complicated manners.
–  Urine is stored in the Bladder.
–  Urination is often a voluntary control – you choose to urinate.
–  Involuntary Reflex can happen with some meditations, medical conditions, and neurological injury.

3 Definitions of Abnormal Urine Production

Polyuria – Excessive production of Urine
Oliguria –  Very low output of Urine
Anuria – Unable to pass urine  (or very little)