The urinary system facilitates waste removal from the body, involving the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Urine, produced by the kidneys, initially accumulates in the renal pelvis before draining into the major calyces, which are extensions of the pelvis. From the major calyces, urine flows into the minor calyces, then into the renal pelvis, and eventually into the ureters.
Urine Drain Structures
Urine drains from a major calyx into the renal pelvis through minor calyces and the infundibula. The structure of these urine drains is as follows:
Minor Calyces
- Cup-shaped structures that collect urine from the nephrons.
- 8-12 minor calyces surround each major calyx.
- Lined with transitional epithelium, which is impermeable to urine.
Major Calyces
- Funnel-shaped structures that receive urine from the minor calyces.
- 2-3 major calyces converge to form the renal pelvis.
- Also lined with transitional epithelium.
Infundibula
- Short, funnel-shaped extensions of the major calyces.
- Receive urine from the minor calyces and direct it into the renal pelvis.
- Lined with transitional epithelium.
Renal Pelvis
- Funnel-shaped structure that collects urine from the major calyces.
- Connects to the ureter, which carries urine to the bladder.
- Lined with transitional epithelium.
| Structure | Function | Lining |
|---|---|---|
| Minor Calyces | Collect urine from nephrons | Transitional epithelium |
| Major Calyces | Receive urine from minor calyces | Transitional epithelium |
| Infundibula | Direct urine into renal pelvis | Transitional epithelium |
| Renal Pelvis | Collects urine from major calyces | Transitional epithelium |
Question 1:
What is the destination of urine after draining from a major calyx?
Answer:
- Urine drains from a major calyx into a renal pelvis.
- The renal pelvis is a funnel-shaped structure that collects urine from the calyces.
- From the renal pelvis, urine flows down the ureter into the urinary bladder.
Question 2:
Describe the path of urine flow in the urinary system.
Answer:
- Urine is produced by the kidneys and collects in the renal pelvis.
- It then travels down the ureter to the urinary bladder.
- From the bladder, urine is expelled through the urethra during urination.
Question 3:
What is the function of a major calyx in the urinary system?
Answer:
- A major calyx is a cup-shaped structure that receives urine from renal pyramids.
- Multiple major calyces join to form the renal pelvis.
- The function of the major calyx is to collect urine and direct it into the renal pelvis.
And there you have it, folks! Now you know the ins and outs of how urine makes its way through the kidneys. Remember, your body is an amazing thing, so take good care of it by staying hydrated and seeing a doctor if you have any concerns. Thanks for reading, and be sure to visit again soon for more science-y fun!