virtsateiden

Virtsateiden, the Finnish term for the urinary tract, designates the organ system involved in the production, storage, and elimination of urine in humans and many other vertebrates.

The core components are the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. The kidneys filter blood to form urine; the ureters transport urine to the bladder; the bladder stores urine; the urethra conducts urine to the exterior.

Physiology: The urinary tract maintains fluid and electrolyte balance and acid-base homeostasis. The kidneys contribute to blood pressure regulation and waste excretion, while urine flow is regulated by detrusor contractions and sphincters under autonomic and somatic innervation.

Development and variation: In humans, kidneys originate from the metanephros and migrate from the pelvis to the abdomen. Congenital anomalies include duplex collecting systems and horseshoe kidneys. Sex-based anatomy influences portions of the tract, such as urethral length.

Clinical relevance: The tract is susceptible to infections, kidney stones, tumors, urinary incontinence, and obstruction. Diagnostic approaches include urinalysis, ultrasound, CT urography, and cystoscopy; treatments range from antibiotics and lithotripsy to surgical correction.

Overall, virtsateiden integrates anatomy, physiology, development, and pathology and is fundamental to homeostasis and health.