þvagrakerfi

The urinary system, known in Icelandic as the þvagkerfi, is a vital organ system responsible for eliminating waste products from the body in the form of urine. This complex network of organs includes the kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra. The primary function of the kidneys is to filter blood, removing metabolic wastes, excess salts, and water. These filtered substances then form urine.

From the kidneys, urine travels through two thin tubes called ureters, which transport it to the urinary bladder. The bladder is a muscular organ that acts as a reservoir for urine, storing it until it is eliminated from the body. When the bladder is full, the urge to urinate is felt. The process of urination, or micturition, is controlled by a combination of voluntary and involuntary muscle contractions that expel urine from the bladder through the urethra, a tube that leads to the outside of the body.

The urinary system plays a crucial role in maintaining the body's electrolyte balance and blood pressure. It also helps regulate the pH of the blood, ensuring that the internal environment remains stable for optimal cellular function. Disruptions to the urinary system can lead to various health issues, including infections, kidney stones, and kidney disease, highlighting the importance of its proper functioning.