Knowra Urine Urine Urine is a liquid waste made by the kidneys, stored in the bladder, and expelled through the urethra. It carries excess water and dissolved substances out of the body.
Glomerular filtration : The movement of water and small solutes from blood into the kidney nephron at the glomerulus. It begins urine formation by separating water and small molecules from blood.
Nephron : The kidney's microscopic functional unit, where blood is filtered and urine is formed. Each nephron processes blood into fluid that becomes urine.
Urinalysis : The examination of urine's physical, chemical, and microscopic properties for clinical information. It turns urine composition and appearance into diagnostic evidence.
Blood plasma : The liquid component of blood in which cells, proteins, and dissolved substances are suspended. Kidneys filter plasma, then alter its water and solute content to form urine.
Dehydration : A state in which the body has lost more water than it has taken in. The kidneys conserve water during dehydration, producing less concentrated urine.
Tubular reabsorption : The return of water and useful solutes from kidney tubules to the bloodstream. It shapes urine by recovering substances the body still needs.
Urea : A nitrogen-containing waste molecule formed when the liver processes ammonia from protein breakdown. It is a major dissolved waste product in urine.
Urine culture : A laboratory test that grows microorganisms from urine to identify infection-causing organisms. It can identify bacteria responsible for a urinary tract infection.
Sweat : A watery secretion released by sweat glands, chiefly for cooling the body. Unlike urine, sweat is produced mainly for temperature regulation.
Urinary tract infection : An infection in any part of the urinary system, including the bladder or kidneys. Infection can change urinary symptoms and make urine testing clinically useful.
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