The urinary system helps maintain the volume and chemical composition of fluids in the body. One of the main organs in the system are the kidneys, which filter waste products out of the body through urine.
People may also refer to the urinary system as the urinary tract.
This article explores the anatomy and structure of the urinary system. It also discusses how urination works, common urinary problems, and tips for keeping the urinary system healthy.
When healthcare professionals discuss the urinary system, they may refer to the
Upper urinary tract
The kidneys and ureters make up the upper urinary tract. A person has
The kidneys are situated below the ribs on either side of the spine. Their main function is to filter waste products and excess fluids from the blood. These waste products include urea, salts, uric acid, and amino acids. The kidneys
The ureters are thin tubes consisting of muscle through which urine flows. They connect the kidneys to the bladder in the lower urinary tract.
Lower urinary tract
The bladder and the urethra comprise the lower urinary tract.
The bladder is situated in the pelvis between the hip bones and stores urine before releasing it from the body. Urination describes the release of urine from the bladder. Nerves in the muscular bladder wall send a signal to the brain when the bladder is full, which causes a person to feel an urge to urinate.
The urethra is the tube at the bottom of the bladder through which urine exits the body. Sphincter muscles between the bladder and urethra control the flow of urine and help prevent urine from leaking out of the body before a person is ready to urinate.
Depending on an individual’s genital anatomy, the urethra will lead out of the body through the penis or above the opening of the vagina.
When a person needs to urinate, the brain
How often a person needs to urinate depends on how quickly their kidneys produce urine and how much urine their bladder can comfortably hold.
The amount of urine a person produces can depend on:
- how much fluid they lose when breathing and sweating
- how much liquid they drink
- the amount and types of food they eat
- what medications they are taking
- any health conditions they have
- their age — adults produce more urine than children
Some common health conditions that affect the urinary system include:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs): Bacteria usually cause UTIs, which
typically affectTrusted Source the bladder but can occur in any of the organs in the urinary system. - Bladder control issues: Urinary incontinence, or accidental urine leakage, is one of the
most commonTrusted Source bladder control problems. It can have a range of causes, including pregnancy and problems with the prostate. - Urinary retention: People with urinary retention are unable to empty all the urine in their bladders. It results from other health conditions, such as bladder prolapse or problems with the prostate.
People need to speak with a doctor if they notice any changes in their urinary habits, such as:
- urine color
- how often they urinate
- pain or discomfort while urinating
- leaking urine before going to the bathroom
- blood in the urine
Sometimes, a doctor may recommend consulting a urinary health specialist called a urologist.
- drinking plenty of water
- fully emptying the bladder when urinating
- not holding urine
- performing Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor
- urinating after sex
- cleaning the genitals before and after sex
- wiping from front to back when using the bathroom, for females
- exercising regularly
- eating a balanced diet
- limiting alcohol and caffeine intake
- quitting smoking, if applicable
The urinary system includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Its purpose is to maintain the volume and chemical composition of fluids in the body.
The organs in the urinary tract work together to remove waste products and excess fluids from the body through urine.
If people notice changes in their urinary habits, including how frequently they urinate, the color of their urine, or discomfort while urinating, they need to consult a healthcare professional.
