Functions of the Human Urinary System

Each part of the urinary system performs important functions - both for the efficient
operation of the urinary system itself, and also therefore, for the body as a whole.

Functions of the Kidneys

Kidneys play a vital role in our body. It regulates blood volume. The kidneys
conserve or eliminate water from the blood, which regulates the volume of blood in the
body. It also regulates the blood pressure by regulating the quantity of water in the blood ,
adjusting the flow of blood both into, and out of, the kidneys, and via the action of the
enzyme rennin (the kidneys secret rennin, which activates the angiotensin-aldosterone
pathway).Regulation of the pH of the blood works through kidneys’ excretion of H+ ions into
urine. At the same time, the kidneys also conserve bicarbonate ions (HCO 3-), which are an
important buffer of H+. The kidneys also regulate the quantities in the blood of the ions
(charged particles) of several important substances. Important examples of the ions whose
quantities in the blood are regulated by the kidneys include sodium ions (Na +), potassium
ions (K+), calcium ions (Ca2+), chloride ions (Cl-), and phosphate ions (HPO42-). The kidneys
contribute to the production of red blood cells by releasing the hormone erythropoietin -
which stimulates erythropoiesis (the production of red blood cells).
The kidneys (as well as the skin and the liver) synthesize calcitrol - which is the active form
of vitamin D. The kidneys help to excrete waste products and foreign substance from the
body by forming urine (for release from the body).

Functions of the Ureters

There are two ureter, one leading from each kidney to the urinary bladder. Each of
these transports urine from the renal pelvis of the kidney to which it is attached, to the
bladder Both of the ureter pass beneath the urinary bladder, which results in the bladder
compressing the ureter and hence preventing back-flow of urine when pressure in the
bladder is high during urination. This prevention of back-flow is important because when it is
not operating correctly cystitis, which is inflammation of the ureter or urinary bladder, may
develop into a kidney infection.

Functions of the Bladder

The purpose of the urinary bladder is to store urine prior to elimination of the urine
from the body. The bladder also expels urine into the urethra by a process called micturition
(also known as urination). Micturition involves the actions of both voluntary and involuntary
muscles. Lack of voluntary control over this process is referred to as incontinence.

Functions of the Urethra

The urethra is the passageway through which urine is discharged from the body. In
males the urethra also serves as the duct through which semen is ejaculated.