Urinary System

Functions of the Urinary System

Kidney nephr/o, ren/o

Filters blood to remove wastes, maintain electrolyte, and water balance.

Renal Pelvis pyel/o

Collects urine produced by the kidneys.

Urine ur/o, urin/o

Liquid waste products to be excreted.

Ureters ureter/o

Transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder.

Urinary Bladder cyst/o

Stores urine until it is excreted.

Urethra urethr/o

Transports urine from the bladder through the urethral meatus, where it is excreted.

Prostate prostat/o

A gland of the male reproductive system that surrounds the male urethra. Disorders of this gland can disrupt the flow of urine.

Medical Specialties of the Urinary System

Nephrologist

A physician who diagnoses and treats diseases and disorders of the kidneys.

Urologist

A physician who diagnoses and treats diseases and disorders of the urinary system of females and the genitourinary system of males.

Pathology of the Urinary System

Nephropathy

Any disease of the kidney.

Includes both degenerative and inflammatory conditions.

Renal Failure

Inability of one or both of the kidneys to perform their functions.

The body cannot replace damaged nephrons thus when too many nephrons have been destroyed, the result is kidney failure.

Uremia

Results from renal failure.

Kidney function is compromised; Urea and waste products normally secreted in the urine are retained in the blood.

Acute Renal Failure

Sudden onset, characterized by uremia.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Progressive loss of renal function over months or years.

Buildup of waste in the blood can be a contributing factor in heart attacks and stroke.

End-Stage Renal Disease

Also known as kidney failure and is fatal without dialysis or kidney transplant.

Nephrotic Syndrome (Nephrosis)

Group of conditions characterized by excessive amounts of protein lost through the urine, usually caused by damage to the glomeruli.

Edema

Excessive fluid accumulation in body tissues.

Hyperproteinuria

Abnormally high concentrations of protein in urine.

Hypoproteinemia

Abnormally low concentrations of protein in the blood.

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)

Genetic disorder in which numerous fluid-filled cysts occur in the kidneys.

Nephritis

Inflammation of the kidney or kidneys.

Glomerulonephritis

Inflammation of the glomeruli.

Nephrolithiasis

Presence of stones (calculi) in the kidney; Form when waste products in urine separate and crystallize (note stones can occur elsewhere and would be named accordingly).

Ureterorrhagia

Discharge of blood from the ureter.

Cystalgia and Systodynia

Pain in the bladder.

Interstitial Cystitis

Chronic inflammation within the walls of the bladder.

Vesicovaginal Fistula

Abnormal opening between the bladder and vagina which allows constant involuntary flow of urine from the bladder into the vagina.

Neurogenic Bladder

Interference with the normal nerve pathways associated with urination which may result in incontinence and may prevent the bladder from emptying at all or from emptying completely.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Enlargement of the prostate gland.

Urinary Tract Infections

Commonly caused by bacteria and occur more frequently in women.

Diuresis

Increased output of urine.

Dysuria

Difficult or painful urination.

Polyuria

Excessive urination.

Incontinence

Inability to control the excretion of urine, feces, or both.

Nervous System

Parts of the Brain

Cerebrum

The outer portion of the brain which performs higher mental functions, plans and initiates movements and interprets sensory stimuli.

Diencephalon

Processes and relays information, regulates biological rhythms and maintains homeostasis. Includes the thalamus, hypothalamus and epithalamus.

Brainstem

Maintains homeostasis, reflexes and monitors movement.

Contains the midbrain, pons and medulla oblongata and is continuous with the brainstem.

Cerebellum

Monitors and coordinates movements.

Medical Specialties Related to the Nervous System and Mental Health

Anesthesiologist

Physician specializing in administering anesthesia.

Anesthetist

Non-physician specializing in administering anesthesia.

Neurologist

Physician specializing in the nervous system.

Neurosurgeon

Physician specializing in surgery of the nervous system.

Psychiatrist

Physician who specializes in chemical dependencies, emotional problems, and mental illness.

Psychologist

Has doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) and treats emotional problems and mental illness (not a medical doctor).

Social Worker

Trained therapist, usually with a master’s degree (MSW).

Pathology of the Nervous System

Migraine Headache

Throbbing pain on one side of the head.

Sometimes accompanied by nausea, aura, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound.

Hydrocephalus

Excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the ventricles of the brain.

Meningitis (Infectious Meningitis)

Inflammation of meninges of the brain and spinal cord.

Can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection.

Encephalitis

Inflammation of the brain.

Reye’s Syndrome (RS)

Disorder in children.

Sometimes follows a viral illness in which the child was treated with aspirin.

Tetanus (lockjaw)

Central nervous system infection caused by a toxin produced by the tetanus bacteria.

Tourette Syndrome (TS)

Neurological disorder.

Involuntary tics, grunts, and utterances.

Dementia

Slowly progressive decline in mental abilities.

Vascular Dementia

Form of dementia.

Caused by a stroke or other restriction of blood flow to the brain.

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)

Group of disorders.

Leading form of dementia.

A degenerative nerve disease.

Parkinson’s Disease (PD)

Chronic, degenerative central nervous disorder.

Amnesia

Total or partial inability to recall past experience.

Cerebral Contusion

Bruising of brain tissue from bouncing against the skull.

Cranial Hematoma

Collection of blood trapped in the tissues of the brain.

Insomnia

Prolonged or abnormal inability to sleep.

Narcolepsy

Sudden and uncontrollable brief episodes of falling asleep during the day.

Polio (Poliomyelitis)

Viral infection of the brainstem and spinal cord.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Autoimmune disorder.

Inflammation causes demyelination.

Epilepsy

Chronic neurological condition with recurrent episodes of seizures of varying severity.

Neuropathy

Any disease or damage to a nerve.

Mental Health Disorders

Anxiety Disorders

Excessive, irrational dread.

Fear that is out of proportion to real danger which include panic attacks, panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Phobias

Persistent, irrational fear of a specific thing or situation.

Such as acrophobia (fear of heights), agoraphobia (fear of certain environments), claustrophobia (fear of small or enclosed spaces).

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulty with social relationships/communication skills.

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by short attention span/impulsive behavior.

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)

Formerly multiple personality disorder.

Presence of two or more distinct personalities, which appear to exist within the same individual.

Bipolar Disorder

Cycles of severe mood changes shifting between highs and lows.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Depression associated with the decrease in hours of daylight during winter months.

Schizophrenia

Psychotic disorder usually characterized by withdrawal from reality.

Bulimia Nervosa

Frequent episodes of binge eating followed by self-induced vomiting; excessive exercising; misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or other medications.

Word List

Word Parts

-cele

hernia, tumor, swelling

cyst/o

urinary bladder, cyst, sac of fluid

dia-

through, between, apart, complete

glomerul/o

glomerulus

hydr/o

relating to water

lith/o

stone, calculus

-lysis

breakdown, separation, setting free, destruction, loosening

nephr/o

kidney

pyel/o

renal pelvis, bowl of kidney

-tripsy

to crush

ur/o

urine, urinary tract

ureter/o

ureter

urethr/o

urethra

-uria

urination, urine

vesic/o

urinary bladder

caus/o

burning, burn

cerebr/o

cerebrum, brain

concuss/o

shaken together, violently agitate

contus/o

bruise

encephal/o

brain

-esthesia

sensation, feeling

esthet/o

feeling, nervous sensation, sense of perception

-mania

obsessive preoccupation, madness

mening/o

membranes, meninges

neur/i, neur/o

nerve, nerve tissue

-phasia

to speak or speech

phobia

abnormal fear

psych/o

mind

radicul/o

nerve root

-tropic

a turning toward, having an affinity for

Terms

ablation ab-LAY-shun

The removal of a body part, or the destruction of its function, by surgery, hormones, drugs, heat, chemical destruction, electro-cartery, or other methods.

acrophobia ack-roh-FOH-bee-ah

An excessive fear of being in high places

acute renal failure

Also known as acute kidney injury.

Occurs when kidneys suddenly lose their ability to filter waste from the blood, developing within hours or days.

Alzheimer’s disease ALTZ-high-merz

A group of disorders associated with degenerative brain changes, that lead to symptoms including progressive memory loss, impaired cognition, and personality changes.

amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ah-my-oh-TROH-fick LAT-er-al skleh-ROH-sis

A degenerative disease of the motor nerve cells, of the brain, and spinal cord, in which patients become progressively weaker until they are completely paralyzed.

anesthetic an-es-THET-ick

The medication used to induce anesthesia, which is the absence normal sensation, especially sensitivity to pain.

anesthetist ah-NES-theh-tist

A medical professional who specializes in administering anesthesia, but is not a physician.

For example, a nurse anesthetist.

anorexia nervosa an-oh-RECK-see-ah ner-VOH-sah

An eating disorder characterized by weight loss (or lack of appropriate weight gain in growing children); difficulties maintaining an appropriate body weight for height, age, and stature; and, in many individuals, distorted body image.

anuria ah-NEW-ree-ah

The absence of urine formation by the kidneys.

anxiety disorders

Mental conditions characterized by anxiety or fear that is out of proportion to the real danger in the situation.

autism spectrum disorder AW-tizm

A group of conditions in which a young child cannot develop normal social relationships, compulsively follows repetitive routines, and frequently has poor communication skills.

Bell’s palsy PAWL-zee

A condition that causes sudden weakness in the muscles on one side of the face.

benign prostatic hyperplasia

An abnormal enlargement of the prostrate gland that occurs most often in men over 50.

causalgia kaw-ZAL-jee-ah

Persistent severe burning pain that usually follows injury to a sensory nerve.

cerebral contusion SER-eh-bral kon-TOO-zhun

The bruising of brain tissue as the result of a head injury.

cerebral palsy seh-REE-bral PAWL-zee

A condition characterized by poor muscle control, spasticity, speech defects, and other neurologic deficiencies.

cerebrovascular accident ser-eh-broh-VAS-kyou-lar

Also known as a stroke.

Damage to the brain that occurs when the bloodflow to the brain is disrupted by a blockage of the blood supply.

chronic kidney disease

Progressive loss of renal function over months or years.

Buildup of waste in the blood can be a contributing factor in heart attacks and stroke.

claustrophobia klaws-troh-FOH-bee-ah

An abnormal fear of being in narrow or enclosed spaces.

coma KOH-mah

A deep state of unconsciousness, marked by the absence of spontaneous eye movements, no response to painful stimuli, and a lack of speech.

concussion kon-KUSH-un

A violent shaking up, or jarring of the brain.

cranial hematoma hee-mah-TOH-mah

A collection of blood, trapped in the tissues of the brain.

cystitis sis-TYE-tis

An inflammation of the bladder.

cystocele SIS-toh-seel

Also called a fallen bladder.

A hernia of the bladder through the vaginal wall.

cystolith SIS-toh-lith

A stone in the urinary bladder.

cystoscopy sis-TOS-koh-pee

An visual examination of the urinary bladder using a cystoscope.

delirium deh-LEER-ee-um

An acute and potentially reversible condition that comes on suddenly and is often associated with high fever, intoxication, or shock.

delusion dih-LOO-zhun

A false personal belief that is maintained despite obvious proof, or evidence, to the contrary.

dementia dih-MEN-shah

A slowly progressive decline in the mental abilities that is often accompanied by personality changes.

dialysis dye-AL-ih-sis

A procedure to remove waste products from the blood of patients whose kidneys no longer function.

diuresis dye-you-REE-sis

The increased output of urine.

dura mater DOO-rah MAH-ter

The thick, tough, outermost membrane of the meningies.

dyslexia dis-LECK-see-ah

A learning disability characterized by substandard reading achievement due to the inability of the brain to process symbols.

dysuria dis-YOU-ree-ah

The sensation of pain, discomfort, or burning when urinating.

edema eh-DEE-mah

Excessive fluid accumulation in body tissues.

electroencephalography ee-leck-troh-en-sef-ah-LOG-rah-fee

The process of recording the electrical activity of the brain, through the use of electrodes attached to the scalp.

encephalitis en-sef-ah-LYE-tis

An inflammation of the brain.

epidural anesthesia ep-ih-DOO-ral an-es-THEE-zee-ah

An anesthetic is injected into the epidural space around the spinal cord.

epilepsy EP-ih-lep-see

A chronic neurological condition characterized by recurrent episodes of seizures of varying severity.

epispadias ep-ih-SPAY-dee-as

A congenital abnormality of the urethral opening.

In the male with epispadias, the urethral opening is on the upper surface of the penis.

In the female with epispadias, the urethral opening is in the region of the clitoris.

extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy ecks-trah-kor-POUR-ee-al shock-wayv LITH-oh-trip-see

A procedure to break up stones inside the urinary tract, bile ducts or pancreatic duct with a series of shock waves generated by a machine called a lithotripter.

factitious disorder fack-TISH-us

A condition in which individuals act as if they have a physical or mental illness when they are not really sick.

glomerulonephritis gloh-mer-you-loh-neh-FRY-tis

A type of nephritis that involves primarily the glomeruloneuli.

hemodialysis hee-moh-dye-AL-ih-sis

Replaces kidney function by filtering waste products directly from the patient's blood.

hemorrhagic stroke hem-oh-RAJ-ick

Also known as a bleed.

Is damage that occurs when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or ruptures.

hydrocephalus high-droh-SEF-ah-lus

A condition in which there is an abnormally increased amount of cerebral spinal fluid within the ventricles of the brain.

hydronephrosis high-droh-neh-FROH-sis

The swelling of one or both kidneys as a result of an obstruction of the flow of urine.

hydroureter high-droh-YOUR-eh-ter

A stretching out of the ureter with urine, is caused by a blockage within the ureter that does not allow the urine to flow normally.

hyperesthesia high-per-es-THEE-zee-ah

A condition of excessive sensitivity to stimuli.

hyperproteinuria high-per-proh-tee-in-YOU-ree-ah

The presence of abnormally high concentrations of protein in the urine.

Is a characteristic of kidney malfunction diseases.

hypoproteinemia high-per-proh-tee-in-EEE-mia

Which the presence of abnormally low concentrations of protein in the blood.

Is a characteristic of kidney malfunction diseases.

hypospadias high-poh-SPAY-dee-as

A congenital abnormality of the urethral opening.

In the male with epispadias, the urethral opening is on the under surface of the penis.

In the female with epispadias, the urethral opening is into the vagina.

incontinence in-KON-tih-nents

The inability to control excretory functions.

interstitial cystitis in-ter-STISH-al sis-TYE-tis

A chronic inflammation within the wall of the bladder.

intravenous pyelogram PYE-eh-loh-gram

A diagnostic radiographic study of the kidneys and ureters, with the use of a contrast medium, that is administered intravenously.

ischemic stroke iss-KEE-mick

Occurs when the flow of blood to the brain is blocked.

This type of stroke can be caused by narrowing of the carotid artery, or by cerebral thrombosis.

lethargy LETH-ar-jee

A lowered level of conciousness marked by listnessness, drowsiness, and apathy.

meningitis men-in-JIGH-tis

An inflammation of the meningies of the brain and spinal cord.

meningocele meh-NING-goh-seel

The congenital herniation of the meningies through a defect in the skull or spinal column.

migraine headache MY-grayn

Characterized by throbbing main on one side of the head.

multiple sclerosis skleh-ROH-sis

A progressive autoimmune disorder characterized by scattered patches of demyelenation of nerve fibers of the brain and spinal cord.

myelitis my-eh-LYE-tis

An inflammation of the spinal cord.

This term also means inflammation of bone marrow.

myelography my-eh-LOG-rah-fee

A radiographic study of the spinal cord after injection by a constrast medium.

narcolepsy NAR-koh-lep-see

A sleep disorder consisting of recurring episodes of falling asleep during the day.

nephrons NEF-ronz

The nephron is the minute or microscopic structural and functional unit of the kidney.

nephropathy neh-FROP-ah-thee

Describes any kidney disease including degenerative and inflammatory conditions.

neurogenic bladder new-roh-JEN-ick

A urinary problem caused by intereference with the normal nerve pathways associated with inflammation.

neurotransmitters new-roh-trans-MIT-erz

A neurotransmitter is a signaling molecule secreted by a neuron to affect another cell across a synapse.

nocturia nock-TOO-ree-ah

Excessive urination during the night.

obsessive compulsive disorder

An anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts or impulses, and/or recurrent unwanted impulses to act.

oliguria ol-ih-GOO-ree-ah

A severe reduction in urine production.

panic attack

Characterized by a group of intense emotional feelings that include apprehension, fearfulness, and terror.

parasomnia pair-ah-SOM-nee-ah

A category of sleep disorders that involve abnormal movements, behaviors, emotions, perceptions, and dreams that occur while falling asleep, sleeping, between sleep stages, or during arousal from sleep.

paresthesia pair-es-THEE-zee-ah

A burning or prickling sensation that is usually felt in the hands, arms, legs, or feet, but can also occur in other parts of the body.

Parkinson's disease

A chronic degenerative central nervous system disorder in which there is a gradually progressive loss of control over movement.

peripheral neuropathy new-ROP-ah-thee

A painful condition of the nerves of the hands and the feet, that is caused by damage to the peripheral nerves.

peritoneal dialysis pehr-ih-toh-NEE-al dye-AL-ih-sis

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

polycystic kidney disease pol-ee-SIS-tick

An inherited kidney disorder in which the kidneys become enlarged because of multiple cysts.

polyuria pol-ee-YOU-ree-ah

Excessive urination.

post-traumatic stress disorder

The development of characteristic symptoms, after a traumatic event, during which the patient felt intense fear, helplessness, or horror.

prostatism PROS-tah-tizm

The condition of having sysmptoms, resulting from compression, or obstruction of the urethrra, due to benign prostratic hypertrophy.

pyelonephritis pye-eh-loh-neh-FRY-tis

Inflammation of the renal pelvis and kidneys.

pyelotomy pye-eh-LOT-oh-mee

A surgical incision into the renal pelvis.

renal

Another word for kidney.

Reye’s syndrome RIZE SIN-drohm

Which affects all of the body organs, but primarily the brain and liver, is often fatal.

This condition is often linked to giving aspirin to children suffering from viral infections.

schizophrenia skit-soh-FREE-nee-ah

A physcotic disorder characterized by two or more of the following:

Delusions, hallucinations, disorganized or catatonic behaviour, and negative symptoms.

sciatica sigh-AT-ih-kah

Inflammation of the sciatic nerve, that results in pain, burning, and tingling along the course of this nerve, through the thigh and leg.

suprapubic catheterization soo-prah-PYOU-bick kath-eh-ter-eye-ZAY-shun

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

transurethral prostatectomy

A urological operation to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) by removing prostate tissue through the urethra.

trigeminal neuralgia try-JEM-ih-nal new-RAL-jee-ah

A conditon chjaracterized by sudden, intense, severe lightning like pain, due to an inflammation of the fifth cranial nerve.

uremia you-REE-mee-ah

A toxic condition caused by excessive amounts of urea and other waste products in the bloodstream.

ureterolith you-REE-ter-oh-lith

A stone located in the ureter.

ureterorrhagia you-ree-ter-oh-RAY-jee-ah

The discharge of blood from the ureter.

urethritis you-reh-THRIGH-tis

An inflammation of the urethra.

urethroplasty you-REE-throh-plas-tee

Surgery to repair or reconstruct the urethra.

urethrorrhagia you-ree-throh-RAY-jee-ah

Bleeding from the urethra.

urethrostenosis you-ree-throh-steh-NOH-sis

The narrowing of the urethra.

urethrotomy you-reh-THROT-oh-mee

urinary catheterization

The insertion of a latex, polyurethane, or silicone tube known as a urinary catheter into the bladder through the urethra to allow urine to drain from the bladder for collection.

vesicovaginal fistula ves-ih-koh-VAJ-ih-nahl FIS-tyou-lah

An abnormal opening between the bladder and the vagina.