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Homeostasis

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The process through which the body maintains a constant internal environment. (home/o): constant (-stasis): control

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Urea

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The major waste product of protein metabolism.

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Urine

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Converting these waste products and excess fluids into urine in the kidneys and excreting them from the body via the urinary bladder.

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Kidneys

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Constantly filter the blood to remove waste products and excess water. These are excreted as urine, which is 95% water and 5% urea and other body wastes.

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Renal

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Means pertaining to the kidneys. (ren): kidney or kidneys (-al): pertaining to

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Renal coretx

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The outer region of the kidney. This layer of tissue contains more than one million microscopic units called nephrons. The term cortex means the outer portion of an organ.

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Medulla

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The outer region of the kidney, and it contains most of the urine-collecting tubules. A tubule is a small tube.

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Nephrons

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The microscopic functional units of each kidney. It is here that urine is produced through the process of filtration, reabsorption, and secretion.

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Glomerulus

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A cluster of capillaries surrounded by a cup-shaped membrane called the Bowman's capsule, and a renal tubule.

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Renal artery

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Blood enters the kidney through the renal artery and flows into the nephrons.

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Renal vein

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After passing through the filtration system of the glomerulus, the filtered blood containing protein and blood cells leaves the kidney and returns to the bloodstream through the renal vein.

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Renal pelvis

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The funnel-shaped area inside each kidney that is surrounded by the renal cortex and medulla. This is where the newly formed urine from the nephrons collects before it flows into the ureters.

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Ureters

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Two narrow tubes, each about 10 to 12 inches long, which transport urine from the kidney to the bladder. Page 272

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Ureteral orifices

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Urine drains from the ureters into the bladder through the ureteral orifices in the wall of the urinary bladder.

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Urinary bladder

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An oval, hollow, muscular organ that is a reservoir for urine before it is excreted from the body.

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Urethra

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The tube extending from the bladder to the exterior of the body. Page 273

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Urethral meatus

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Also known as the urinary meatus, is the external opening of the urethra. The term meatus means the external opening of a canal.

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Femal urethra

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Approximately 1.5 inches long, and the urethral meatus is located between the clitoris and the opening of the vagina. In the female, the urethra transports only urine.

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Male urthera

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Approximately 8 inches long, the urethral meatus is located at the tip of the penis. This urethra transports both urine and semen.

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Prostate gland

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Part of the male reproductive system, surrounds the urethra. Most disorders of the prostate affect the male's ability to urinate.

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Urination

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Also known as voiding or micturition, is the normal process of excreting urine.

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Urinate

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As the bladder fills up with urine, pressure is placed on the base of the urethra, resulting in the urge to urinate or micturate.

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Nephrologist

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A physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders of the kidneys. (nephr): kidney (-ologist): specialist

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Urologist

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A physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders of the urinary system of females and the genitourinary system of males. (ur): urine

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Nephropathy

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Any disease of the kidney. (nephr/o): kidney (-pathy): disease

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Renal failure

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Also known as kidney failure, is the inability of one or both of the kidneys to perform their functions. The body cannot replace damaged nephrons, and when too many nephrons have been destroyed, the result is kidney failure.

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Azotemia

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An elevation of the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) caused by a lack of blood flow to each kidney. Uremia can occur when this excess becomes toxic.

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Uremia

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Also known as uremic poisoning, is a toxic condition resulting from renal failure in which kidney function is compromised and urea and other waste products normally secreted in the urine are retained in the blood. (ur): urine (-emia): blood condition

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Acute renal failure (ARF)

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Has sudden onset and is characterized by uremia. It can be fatal if not reversed promptly. This condition can be caused by the kidneys not receiving enough blood to filter due to dehydration or a sudden drop in blood volume or blood pressure from injury, burns, or a severe infection.

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Chronic kidney disease (CKD)

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Also known as chronic renal disease, or kidney failure, is the progressive loss of renal function over months or years. This common condition, which can be life-threatening, may result from diabetes mellitus, hypertension, or a family history of kidney disease.

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End-stage renal disease (ESRD)

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The final stage of chronic kidney disease, and this condition is fatal unless the functions of the failed kidneys are replaced by dialysis, or with a successful kidney transplant.

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Nephrotic syndrom

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Also known as nephrosis, is a group of conditions in which excessive amounts of protein are lost through the urine. This condition, which is usually caused by damage to the glomeruli, results in abnormally low levels of protein in the blood. (nephr/o): kidney (-tic): pertaining to

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Edema

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Excessive fluid accumulation in body tissues that can be symptomatic of nephrotic syndrome and other kidney diseases. This swelling can be in the area around the eyes, the abdomen, or the legs and feet.

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Hyperproteinuria

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The presence of abnormally high concentrations of protein in the urine. (hyper-): excessive (protein): protein (-uria): urine

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Hypoproteinemia

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The presence of abnormally low concentrations of protein in the blood. (hypo-): deficient or decreased (-emia): blood condition

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Hydronephrosis

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The dilation (swelling) of one or both kidneys. (hydr/o): water (nephr): kidney (-osis): abnormal condition or disease

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Nephritis

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An inflammation of the kidney or kidneys.

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Glomerulonephritis

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A type of nephritis caused by inflammation of the glomeruli that causes red blood cells and proteins to leak into the urine. (glomerul/o): glomeruli

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Nephroptosis

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Also known as floating kidney, is the prolapse, or dropping down, of a kidney into the pelvic area when the patient stands. (nephr/o): kidney (-ptosis): droop or sag

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Nephropyosis

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Also known as pyonephrosis, is suppuration of the kidney. (py): pus

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Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)

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A genetic disorder characterized by the growth of numerous fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys. (poly-): many (cyst): cyst

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Renal colic

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An acute pain in the kidney area that is caused by blockage during the passage of a nephrolith (kidney stone).

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Wilms tumor

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A rare type of malignant tumor of the kidney that occurs in young children. There is a high cure rate for this condition when treated promptly.

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Stone

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Also known as calculus, is an abnormal mineral deposit that has formed within the body and is named for the organ or tissue where it is located. Page 276

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Nephrolithiasis

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Describes the presence of stones in the kidney. (-lithiasis): the presence of stones

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Nephrolith

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Also known as a kidney stone or a renal calculus, is found in the kidney. (-lith): stone

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Ureterolith

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A stone located anywhere along the ureter. (ureter/o): ureter (-lith): stone

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Cystolith

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A stone located within the urinary bladder. (cyst/o): bladder (-lith): stone

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Hydroureter

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The distention (swelling) of the ureter with urine that cannot flow because the ureter is blocked. (hyrd/o): water (-ureter): ureter

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Ureterectasis

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The distention (swelling) of a ureter due to hydroureter or congenital abnormalities. (-ectasis): enlargement

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Ureterorrhagia

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The discharge of blood from the ureter. (-rrhagia): bleeding

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Cystalgia

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And cystodynia both mean pain in the bladder. (cyst): bladder (-algia): pain

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Cystocele

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Also known as a prolapsed bladder, is a hernia of the bladder through the vaginal wall. (-cele): hernia

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Interstitial cystitis

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A chronic inflammation within the walls of the bladder. The symptoms of this condition are similar to those of cystitis; however, they do respond to traditional treatment.

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Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR)

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The backward flow of urine into the ureters from the bladder. (vesic/o): bladder (ureter): ureter

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Vesicovaginal fistula

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An abnormal opening between the bladder and vagina that allows constant involuntary flow of urine from the bladder into the vagina. (cesic/o): bladder (vagin): vagina

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Neurogenic bladder

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A urinary problem caused by interference with the normal nerve pathways associated with urination. (neur/o): nerve (-genic): created by

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Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

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Also known as benign prostatic hypertrophy or enlarged prostate, is an enlargement of the prostate gland that most often occurs in men older than age 50. Page 277

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Prostatism

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A disorder resulting from the compression or obstruction of the urethra due to benign prostatic hyperplasia. (prostat): prostate gland (-ism): condition of

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Prostate cancer

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One of the most common cancers among men. The disease can grow slowly with no symptom, or it can grow aggressively and spread throughout the body.

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Prostatitis

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A group of disorders characterized by the inflammation of the prostate gland. (prostat): prostate gland

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Urethrorrhagia

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Bleeding from the urethra.

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Urethrorrhea

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An abnormal discharge from the urethra

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Urethrostenosis

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Or urethral stricture, is narrowing of the urethra. (-stenosis): tightening or narrowing

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Epispadias

answer

A congenital abnormality of the urethral opening. In the male with epispadias, the urethral opening is located on the upper surface of the penis. In the female with epispadias, the urethral opening is in the region of the clitoris.

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Hypospadias

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A congenital abnormality of the urethral opening. Page 278

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Urinary tract infection (UTI)

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Usually begins in the bladder; however, such an infection can affect all parts of the urinary system.

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Cystitis

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An inflammation of the bladder. (cyst): bladder

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Pyelonephritis

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An inflammation of both the renal pelvis and kidney. (pyel/o): renal pelvis (nephr): kidney

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Urethritis

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An inflammation of the urethra (urethr): urethra

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Anuria

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The absence of urine formation by the kidneys. (an-): without (-uria): urine

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Diuresis

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The increased output of urine. (di-): through (-uresis): urination

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Dysuria

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Difficult or painful urination. This condition is frequently associated with urinary tract infections.

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Enuresis

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The involuntary discharge of urine. (en-): into

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Nocturnal enuresis

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Urinary incontinence during sleep. It is also known as bed-wetting.

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Nocturia

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Frequent and excessive urination during night. (noct): night

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Oliguria

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Means scanty urination. This can be caused by dehydration, renal failure, or a urinary tract obstruction. (olig): scanty

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Polyuria

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Means excessive urination and is a common symptom of diabetes. (poly-): many

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Urinary hesitancy

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Difficulty in starting a urinary stream. Page 279

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Urinary retention

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Also known as ischuria, is the inability to completely empty the bladder when attempting to urine. This condition is also more common in men and is frequently associated with an enlarged prostate gland.

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Incontinence

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The inability to control the excretion of urine, feces, or both.

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Urinary incontinence

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The inability to control the voiding of the urine.

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Overflow incontinence

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Continuous leaking from the bladder either because it is full or because it does not empty completely. It is usually caused by a blocked urethra and is prevalent in older men with enlarged prostates.

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Stress incontinence

answer

The inability to control the voiding of the urine under physical stress such as running, lifting, sneezing, laughing, or coughing. This condition occurs more often in women than in men.

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Overactive bladder (OAB)

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Also known as urge incontinence, occurs when the muscles of the bladder contract involuntarily even though the bladder is not actually full enough to indicate the need to urinate. Page 279

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Urinalysis

answer

The examination of urine to determine the presence of abnormal elements. (-alysis): a study of the parts

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Bladder ultrasound

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The use of a handheld ultrasound transducer to look for stones or for elevation of the bladder by an enlarged prostate and to measure the residual amount of urine remaining in the bladder after urination. Page 279

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Urinary catheterization

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The insertion of a tube into the bladder to procure a sterile specimen for diagnostic purposes.

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Cystoscopy

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The visual examination of the urinary bladder with the use of a specialized type of endoscope known as a cystoscope. (cyst/o): bladder

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Voiding cystourethrography

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A diagnostic procedure in which a fluoroscope is used to examine the flow of urine from the bladder and through the urethra.

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Computed tomography

answer

Also known as a CT scan, is more commonly used as a primary tool for evaluation of the urinary system because it can be rapidly performed and provides additional imaging of the abdomen, which may reveal other potential sources for the patient's symptoms.

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Glomerular filtration rate (GFR)

answer

A blood test to check how well the kidneys are function at filtering blood. Page 280

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Cystography

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A radiographic, or x-ray, examination of the bladder after a contrast medium is instilled via a urethral catheter.

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Intravenous pyelography

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Also known as excretory urography, is a radiographic study of the kidneys and ureters. (pyel/o): renal pelivs

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KUB (kidneys, ureters, bladder)

answer

A radiographic study without the use of a contrast medium. This study, also referred to as a flat-plate of the abdomen, is used to detect bowel obstructions and nephroliths. Despite its name, a KUB x-ray does not show ureters.

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Retrograde urography

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A radiograph of the urinary system taken after a contrast medium has been placed in the urethra through as treile catheter and caused to flow upward through the urinary tract.

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Digital rectal examination

answer

Performed on men by using a lubricated, gloved finger placed in the rectum to palpate the prostate gland to detect prostate enlargement and to look for indications of prostate cancer or tumors of the rectum. Page 281

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Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test

answer

Used to screen for prostate cancer. This test measures the amount of prostate-specific antigen that is present in a blood specimen.

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Diuretics

answer

Medications administered to increase urine secretion, primarily to rid the body of excess water and salt. Some foods and drinks, such as coffee, tea, and alcoholic beverages, also have a diuretic effect.

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Dialysis

answer

A procedure to remove waste products, such as urea, creatinine, and excess water from the blood of a patient whose kidneys no longer function. (dia-): complete or through (-lysis): separation

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Hemodialysis

answer

The process by which waste products are filtered directly from the patient's blood. (hem/o): blood (dia): complete or through (-lysis): separation

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Peritoneal dialysis

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The lining of the peritoneal cavity acts as the filter to remove waste from the blood. Page 282

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Nephrolysis

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The surgical freeing of a kidney from adhesions. (nephr/o): kidney (-lysis): setting free

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Nephropexy

answer

Also known as nephrorrhaphy, is the surgical fixation of nephroptosis, or a floating kidney. (nephr/o): kidney (pexy): surgical fixation

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Nephrostomy

answer

The placement of a catheter to maintain an opening from the pelvis of one or both kidneys to the exterior of the body.

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Pyelotomy

answer

A surgical incision into the renal pelvis. (pyel): renal pelvis

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Renal transplantation

answer

Commonly known as a kidney transplant, is the grafting of a donor kidney, from either a living or nonliving donor, into the body to replace the recipient's failed kidneys.

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Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL)

answer

The most common kidney stone treatment. (lith/o): stone (-tripsy): to crush

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Percutaneous nephrolithotomy

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The surgical removal of a nephrolith through a small incision in the back.

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Ureterectomy

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The surgical removal of a ureter.

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Ureterorrhaphy

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The surgical suturing of a ureter.

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Ureteroscopy

answer

A treatment for a nephrolith lodged in the ureter. Page 285 for more info

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Cystectomy

answer

The surgical removal of all or part of the urinary bladder. This procedure is usually performed to treat bladder cancer. (cyst): bladder

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Ileal conduit

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Or urinary ileostomy, is the use of a small piece of intestine to convey urine to the ureters and to a stoma in the abdomen.

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Cystopexy

answer

The surgical fixation of the bladder to the abdominal wall. (cyst/o): bladder (-pexy): surgical fixation

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Cystorrhaphy

answer

The surgical suturing of a wound or defect in the bladder.

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Lithotomy

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A surgical incision for the removal of a nephrolith form the bladder. Page 285

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Urinary catheterization

answer

Also known as cathing, is performed to withdraw urine for diagnostic purposes, to allow urine to drain freely, or to place a fluid such as a chemotherapy solution into the bladder.

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Indwelling catheter

answer

Remains inside the body for a prolonged time based on need.

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Urethral catheterization

answer

Performed by inserting a plastic tube called a catheter through the urethra and into the bladder.

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Suphrapubic catheterization

answer

The placement of a catheter into the bladder through a small incision made through the abdominal wall just above the pubic bone.

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Foley catheter

answer

The most common type of indwelling catheter. This device is made of a flexible tube with a balloon filled with sterile water at the end to hold it in place in the bladder.

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Intermittent catheter

answer

Also known as a short-term catheter, is inserted as needed several times a day to drain urine from the bladder.

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Meatotomy

answer

A surgical incision made in the urethral meatus to enlarge the opening. (meat): meatus

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Urethroplasty

answer

The surgical repair of damage or a defect in the walls of the urethra.

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Urethrotomy

answer

A surgical incision into the urethra for relief of a stricture. A stricture is an abnormal narrowing of a bodily passage.

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Ablation

answer

The term used to describe some types of treatment of prostate cancer.

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Prostatectomy

answer

The surgical removal of part or all of the prostate gland. (prostat): prostate

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Transurethral prostatectomy (TURP)

answer

The removal of excess tissue from an enlarged prostate gland with the use of a resectoscope.

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Retrograde ejaculation

answer

When an orgasm results in semen flowing backward into the bladder instead of out through the penis. This is the most common long-term complication of a TURP.

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Kegel exercises

answer

Named for Dr. Arnold Kegel, are a series of pelvic muscle exercises used to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor.

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Bladder retraining

answer

Behavioral therapy in which the patient learns to urinate on schedule, with increasingly longer time intervals as the bladder increases its capacity.

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