Urinary Tract

urinary tract urinary tract

User's Manual
Amazing Facts
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Ureters

2 narrow muscular tubes about 12.5 cm long and 5 mm wide through which urine passes from the kidneys to the bladder. Urine is forced toward the bladder by peristalsis.

Bladder

Your muscular reservoir of urine. Waste from the kidneys, empties via the ureters into the bladder. Once the bladder is full, you pee, releasing the urine through the urethra to the outside of the body.

Male urinary tract

In the male, the bladder drains into the urethra, which passes through the prostate. Within the prostate the spermatic duct joins the urethra. The urethra then travels through the penis and opens to the outside of the body through the urethral orifice, a small opening at the tip of the penis.

Female urinary tract

In the female, the bladder lies in front of (anterior to) the vagina. The bladder empties into the urethra which travels a couple inches to the vulva where it opens to the outside of the body through the urethral orifice, a small opening just anterior to the vaginal orifice.

User's Manual

If you find you need to pee more often than usual, and each urination is average to small in volume, consult a physician. This may be a symptom of urinary tract infection or STDs. Drinking alcohol can increase the amount you urinate and make your urine light in color. Whenever you notice a deep gold to orange urine color, go to the kitchen and drink water. You are dehydrated. Water is the most essential nutrient the body needs. You should drink 8 full glasses of water per day. The more water you drink the easier it is for your body to dispose of toxins, and quite possibly the longer you will live.

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Amazing Facts

  • Daily urine composes 1/1000 of your body's fluid content.
  • Daily urine output can range from a single cup if you're dehydrated to more than 5.5 gallons or 20 liters if you are well hydrated.

Related Links

Kidneys

Male Urogenital System

Female Urogenital System