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nephr/o, ren/o

answer

kidneys (filter the blood to remove waste products, maintain electrolyte concentrations, and remove excess water to maintain the fluid volume within the body)

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pyel/o

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renal pelvis (collects urine produced by the kidneys)

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ur/o, urin/o

answer

urine (liquid waste produced by the kidneys)

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ureter/o

answer

ureters (transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder)

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cyst/o

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urinary bladder (stores urine until it is excreted)

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urethr/o

answer

urethra (transports urine from the bladder through the urethral meatus, where it is excreted)

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prostat/o

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prostate (a gland of the male reproductive system that surrounds the male urethra - disorders of this gland can disrupt the flow of urine)

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home/o

answer

constant

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stasis

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control

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homeostasis

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process through which the body maintains a constant internal environment

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urea

answer

major waste product of protein metabolism

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creatinine

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a waste product of muscle metabolism

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kidneys

answer

constantly filter the blood to remove waste products and excess water - excreted as urine which is 95% water and 5% urea and other body wastes

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renal

answer

pertaining to kidneys

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renal cortex

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outer region of the kidney; this layer of tissue contains more than one million microscopic units called nephrons

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medulla

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inner region of the kidney; contains most of the urine collecting tubules

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nephrons

answer

microscopic functional units of each kidney; it is here that urine is produced through the processes of filtration, reabsorption and secretion

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reabsorption

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the return to the blood of some of the substances that were removed during filtration

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glomerulus

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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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how blood enters the kidney and flows into the nephrons

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renal vein

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vessel through which filtered blood containing protein and blood cells leaves the kidney and returns to the bloodstream

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renal pelvis

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funnel shaped area inside each kidney that is surrounded by the renal cortex and medulla; 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

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peristalsis

answer

a series of wave like contractions that moves urine down each ureter to the bladder; also part of the digestive process

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urethra

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tube extending from the bladder to the exterior of the body

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urethral meatus

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the external opening of the urethra

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meatus

answer

the external opening of a canal

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urination

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the normal process of excreting urine; also known as voiding or micturition

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nephrologist

answer

physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders of the kidneys

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urologist

answer

physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders of the urinary system of females and the genitourinary system of males

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nephropathy

answer

any disease of the kidney; definition includes both degenerative and inflammatory conditions

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diabetic nephropathy

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kidney disease resulting from late stage diabetes mellitus

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renal failure

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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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elevation of the blood urea nitrogen 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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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

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acute renal failure (ARF)

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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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chronic renal disease or kidney failure; progressive loss of renal function over months or years; common condition which is life threatening, may result from diabetes mellitus, hypertension, or a family history of kidney disease; the build up of waste in the blood from chronic kidney disease can be a contributing factor in heart attacks or strokes

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end state renal disease (ESRD)

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final stage of chronic kidney disease; condition is fatal unless functions of failed kidneys are replaced by dialysis or with successful transplant

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nephrotic syndrome

answer

nephrosis; group of conditions in which excessive amounts of protein are lost through the urine; usually caused by damage to the glomeruli results in abnormally low levels of protein in the blood; causes include diabetes mellitus, infection and kidney disorders

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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 - 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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presence of abnormally high concentrations of protein in the urine

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hypoproteinemia

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presence of abnormally low concentrations of protein in the blood it is often associated with hyperproteinuria

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hydronephrosis

answer

dilation of one or both kidneys - can be caused by problems associated with the backing up of urine due to an obstruction such as a nephrolith (kidney stone) or a stricture (narrowing) in the ureter

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nephritis

answer

inflammation of the kidney or kidneys - most common cause are toxins, infection or an autoimmune disorder

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glomerulonephritis

answer

type of nephritis caused by inflammation of the glomeruli that causes red blood cells and proteins to leak into the urine

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nephroptosis

answer

floating kidney - prolapse or dropping down of a kidney into the pelvic area when the patient stands

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nephropyosis

answer

pyonephrosis - suppuration of the kidney - suppuration means the formation or discharge of pus

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polycystic kidney disease

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PKD - genetic disorder characterized by growth of numerous fluid filled cysts in the kidneys - these cysts which slowly replace much of the mass of the kidney, reduce kidney function, which eventually leads to kidney failure

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renal colic

answer

an acute pain in the kidney area that is caused by blockage during the passage of a nephrolith, kidney stone - colic means spasms of pain in the abdomen - sometimes occurs in waves due to the peristaltic movement of the ureters

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wilms tumor

answer

rare type of malignant tumor of the kidney that occurs in young children - high cure rate if treated promptly

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stone

answer

calculus - an abnormal mineral deposit that has formed within the body and is named for the organ or tissue where it is located - plural calculi - these stones vary in size from small sand like granules that pass through the body unnoticed to stone the size of marbles that can become lodged causing acute pain - urinary system stones form when waste products in the urine separate and crystallize, normally urine contains chemicals to prevent this however dehydration and other factors may disrupt this balance

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nephrolithiasis

answer

describes presence of stones in the kidney - stones travel with the flow of urine, they are named for the location where they become lodged

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nephrolith

answer

also known as kidney stone or a renal calculus - found in the kidney

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ureterolith

answer

stone located anywhere along the ureter

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cystolith

answer

stone located within the urinary bladder

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hydroureter

answer

distension - swelling - of the ureter with urine that cannot flow because the ureter is blocked - hydroureter always accompanies hydronephrosis

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ureterectasis

answer

distension of a ureter due to hydroureter or congenital abnormalities

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ureterorrhagia

answer

discharge of blood from the ureter

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cystalgia

answer

and cystodynia both mean pain in the bladder

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cystocele

answer

also known as a prolapsed bladder, is a hernia of the bladder through the vaginal wall - sometimes occurs as a result of pregnancy or childbirth

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interstitial cystitis

answer

chronic inflammation within the walls of the bladder - symptoms of this are similar to those of cystitis; however, they do not respond to traditional treatment - interstitial means relating to spaces within a tissue or organ

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vesicoureteral reflux

answer

backward flow of urine into the ureters from the bladder - it is most common in infants and children

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vesicovaginal fistula

answer

abnormal opening between the bladder and vagina that allows constant involuntary flow of urine from the bladder into the vagina - fistula is an abnormal passage between two organs - may be caused by prolonged labor during childbirth or surgery such as a hysterectomy

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Neurogenic bladder

answer

A urinary problem caused by interference with the normal nerve pathway associated with urination. Normal urinary function depends on nerves to sense when the bladder is full and to control the muscles that either retain the urine or allow the bladder to empty.

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Benign prostatic hyperplasia

answer

An enlargement of the prostate gland that most often occurs in men older then age 50. This condition can make urination difficult and causes other urinary-tract problems for men. Hyperplasia is an increase in cell numbers typically associated with tumor growth; however, in this case, it is not caused by cancer or infection; also known as enlarged prostate

question

Prostatism

answer

A disorder resulting from the compression or obstruction of the urethra due to benign prostatic hyperplasia. This can produce difficulties with urination, including urinary retention.

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Prostate Cancer

answer

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

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Prostatitis

answer

A group of disorders characterized by the inflammation of the prostate gland.

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Urethrorrhagia

answer

Bleeding from the urethra

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Urethrorrhea

answer

An abnormal discharge from the urethra. This condition is associated with some sexually transmitted diseases.

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Urethrostenosis

answer

Narrowing of the urethra. This condition occurs almost exclusively in men and is caused by scarring from infection or injury.

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Epispandias

answer

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

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Hypospadias

answer

A congenital abnormality of the urethral opening. In the male, the urethral opening is on the ventral surface (underside) of the penis. In the female, the urethra opens into the vagina.

question

Urinary tract infection

answer

Usually begins in the bladder; However, such an infection can affect all parts of the urinary system. These common infections are caused by bacteria, most often E. coli, entering the urinary system through the urethra. They occur more frequently in women because the urethra is short and located near the opening to the rectum.

question

Cystitis

answer

An inflammation of the bladder

question

Pyelonephritis

answer

An inflammation of both the renal pelvis and kidney. This is usually caused by a bacterial infection that has spread upward from the bladder.

question

Urethritis

answer

An inflammation of the urethra.

question

Anuria

answer

The absence of urine formation by the kidneys. This condition is often caused by kidney failure or a urinary track obstruction.

question

Diuresis

answer

The increased output of urine.

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Dysuria

answer

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

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Enuresis

answer

The involuntary discharge of urin.

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Nocturnal enuresis

answer

Urinary incontinence during sleep.

question

Nocturia

answer

Frequent and excessive urination during the night.

question

Oliguria

answer

Scanty urination. This can be caused by dehydration, renal failure, or a urinary tract obstruction; the opposite of polyuria.

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Polyuria

answer

Means excessive urination and is a common symptom of diabetes. The opposite of oliguria.

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Urinary hesitancy

answer

Difficult in starting a urinary stream. This condition is most common in older men with enlarged prostate glands. In younger people, the inability to urinate when another person is present is known as bashful bladder syndrome.

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Urinary retention

answer

The complete inability to completely empty the bladder when attempting to urinate. This condition is also more common in men and is frequently associated with an enlarged prostate; also known as ischuri

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Incontinence

answer

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

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Urinary incontinence

answer

The inability to control the voiding of urine.

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Overflow incontinence

answer

Continuous leaking from the bladder either because it is full or because it does not empty completely.

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Stress incontinence

answer

The inability to control the voiding of urin 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

answer

Occurs when the muscles of the bladder contract involuntary even though the bladder is not actually full enough to indicate the need to urinate; also known as urge incontinence

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Urinalysis

answer

The examination of urine to determine the presence of abnormal elements. These tests are used to diagnose dieases and pregnancy as well as to detect the presence of substances such as drugs

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Bladder ultrasound

answer

The use of a handheld ultrasound transducer to look for stones or for elevation of the bladder by and enlarged prostate and to measure the residual amount of urin remaining in the bladder after urination. A normal bladder holds between 300 to 400 mL of urine.

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Urinary catheterization

answer

The insertion of a tube into the bladder to procure a sterile specimen for diagnostic purposes. It is also used to drain urine from the bladder when the patient is unable to urinate for other reasons. Another use is to place medication into the bladder.

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Cystoscopy

answer

Is the visual examination of the urinary bladder with the use of a specialized type of endoscope known as a cystoscope. An endoscope is an instrument used for visual examination of internal structures. A specialized cystoscope is also used for treatment procedures such as the removal of tumors or the reduction of an enlarged prostate gland.

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Voiding cystourethrography

answer

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 (CT scan)

answer

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 functioning at filtering blood. This test can help diagnose chronic kidney disease and kidney failure.

question

Cystography

answer

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

question

Intravenous pyelography

answer

A radiographic study of the kidneys and ureters. A contrast medium is administered intravenously to clearly define these structures in the resulting image; also known as excretory urography

question

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.

question

Retrograde urography

answer

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

question

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.

question

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. This is a protein produced by the cells of the prostate gland to help liquefy semen. The higher a man's PSA levels, the more likely cancer is present.

question

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 this 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.

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Hemodialysis

answer

The process by which waste products are filtered directly from the patient's blood.

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Electrolytes

answer

The salts that conduct electricity and are found in the body fluid, tissue, and blood.

question

peritoneal dialysis

answer

The lining of the peritoneal cavity acts as the filter to remove waste from the blood. The sterile dialysate flows into the peritoneal cavity around the intestine through a catheter implanted in the abdominal wall. This fluid is left in for a period of time to absorb waste products and then drained out through the tube.

question

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD)

answer

Provides ongoing dialysis as the patient goes about his or her daily activities. In this procedure, the dialysate solution is instilled from a plastic container worn under the patient's clothing. About every 4 hours, the used solution is drained back into this bag and the bag is discarded. A new bag is then attached, the solution is instilled, and the process continues.

question

Nephrolysis

answer

The surgical freeing of a kidney from adhesions. An adhesion is a band of fibers that holds structures together abnormally.

question

nephropexy

answer

The surgical fixation of nephroptosis, or floating kidney; also known as nephrorrhaphy

question

nephrostomy

answer

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

question

pyelotomy

answer

A surgical incision into the renal pelvis. This procedure is performed to correct obstructions such as a stone lodged in the junction between the renal pelvis and the ureter.

question

Renal transplantation

answer

The grafting of a donor kidney, from either a living or nonliving donor, into the body to replace the recipient's failed kidneys

question

Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy

answer

The most common kidney stone treatment. High-energy ultrasonic waves traveling through water or gel are used to break the stone into fragments, which are then excreted in the urine.

question

percutaneous nephrolithotomy

answer

The surgical removal of a nephrolith through a small incision in the back. A small tube is temporarily inserted through the incision into the kidney.

question

ureterectomy

answer

The surgical removal of a ureter

question

Ureterorrhaphy

answer

Is the surgical suturing of a ureter

question

Ureteroscopy

answer

Is a treatment for nephrolith lodged in the ureter.

question

cystectomy

answer

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

question

ileal conduit

answer

The use of a small piece of intestine to convey urine to the ureters and to a stoma in the abdomen; also known as urinary ileostomy

question

Cystopexy

answer

The surgical fixation of the bladder to the abdominal wall.

question

Cystorrhaphy

answer

The surgical suturing of a wound or defect in the bladder

question

lithotomy

answer

A surgical incision for the removal of a nephrolith from the bladder.

question

indwelling catheter

answer

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

question

Urethral catheterization

answer

performed by inserting a plastic tube called a catheter though the urethra and into the bladder.

question

Suprapubic catheterization

answer

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

question

foley catheter

answer

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 - it is commonly used on postsurgical patients and is named for its inventor, surgeon Frederic Foley

question

intermittent catheter

answer

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

question

meatotomy

answer

surgical incision made in the urethral meatus to enlarge the opening

question

urethroplasty

answer

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

question

urethrotomy

answer

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

question

ablation

answer

term used to describe some types of treatment of prostate cancer - this treatment involves the removal of a body part or the destruction of its function through the use of surgery, hormones, drugs, heat, chemicals, electrocautery, or other methods. Electrocautery is the use of high frequency electrical current to destroy tissue

question

prostatectomy

answer

surgical removal of part or all of the prostate gland - this procedure is performed to treat prostate cancer or to reduce an enlarge prostate gland; however, this treatment can lead to erectile difficulties - a radical prostatectomy is the surgical removal of the entire prostate gland in cases where it is extremely enlarged or when cancer is suspected

question

transurethral prostatectomy

answer

TURP - removal of the excess tissue from an enlarged prostate gland with the use of a resectoscope - a resectoscope is a specialized endoscopic instrument that resembles a cystoscope - retrograde ejaculation is 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 - retrograde means moving backward

question

kegel exercises

answer

named for Dr. Arnold Kegel, are a series of pelvic muscle exercises used to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor. they are used to control urinary stress incontinence in both sexes, in men to treat prostate pain and swelling, and in women to condition the muscles so that they will recover quickly after childbirth

question

bladder retraining

answer

behavioral therapy in which the patient learns to urinate on a schedule with increasingly longer time intervals as the bladder increases its capacity. the goal is to reestablish voluntary bladder control and to break the cycle of frequency and urgency that results from urge incontinence

Med Term Chapter 9- The Urinary System – Flashcards

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