13.3 Health Issues Related to the Urinary System
The urinary system plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of body fluids and removing metabolic wastes. However, various factors such as diseases, infections, and physical blockages can compromise kidney function. This note examines two major health issues of the urinary system: kidney failure (renal failure) and the formation of kidney stones.
Learning Objectives
- State the causes of kidney failure (renal failure).
- Identify the leading causes of renal failure and the specific kidney structure they damage.
- Describe the composition of kidney stones and how they affect the urinary system.
- State the preventive measure to reduce the risk of kidney stone formation.
Health Issues of the Human Kidney: Failure and Stones
Illustrate the primary causes of glomerular damage leading to renal failure, and show how kidney stones form and obstruct the ureter.
Diabetes mellitus
The leading cause of renal failure. It damages the glomerulus.
High blood pressure
The second leading cause of renal failure. It also damages the glomerulus.
Kidney stones
Hard masses formed from uric acid, calcium oxalate, or crystalline calcium phosphate.
Short Explanation
Kidney Failure (Renal Failure)
Renal failure occurs when the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste from blood. It can be caused by illnesses, bacterial infections, or accidents.
Leading causes of renal failure
Diabetes mellitus is the leading cause of renal failure. High blood pressure (hypertension) is the second leading cause.
Mechanism of damage
Both diabetes mellitus and high blood pressure damage the glomerulus, impairing the kidney's filtration ability.
Kidney stones
Kidney stones are hard masses that form inside the kidney. They are composed of uric acid, calcium oxalate, and crystalline calcium phosphate.
Health effects of kidney stones
Kidney stones can block the ureter. This blockage reduces the production and flow of urine.
Prevention
Drinking a lot of water every day helps to lower the concentration of these substances, thereby reducing the likelihood of kidney stone formation.
Try to Answer First
Answer in your mind, then press "Check Answer".
What is the leading cause of renal failure?
Name the three chemical components that can form kidney stones.
What is the effect of kidney stones if they become lodged in the ureter?
Common Mistakes
- Assuming high blood pressure is the primary cause of renal failure; diabetes mellitus is the leading cause.
- Forgetting that both diabetes mellitus and high blood pressure specifically damage the glomerulus, not the collecting duct or urinary bladder.
- Stating that kidney stones are made of table salt (sodium chloride) or bone fragments rather than uric acid, calcium oxalate, or crystalline calcium phosphate.
Concept Misunderstandings
Kidney stones only form inside the urinary bladder.
Kidney stones form within the kidney and may travel down to block the ureter.
Kidney failure is exclusively caused by unhealthy lifestyle habits.
Kidney failure can also arise from bacterial infections or physical trauma caused by accidents.
Summary
- Kidney failure can result from illness, bacterial infections, or accidents.
- Diabetes mellitus is the leading cause of renal failure, followed by high blood pressure; both damage the glomerulus.
- Kidney stones are hard mineral masses made of uric acid, calcium oxalate, or crystalline calcium phosphate.
- Kidney stones can block the ureter and restrict urine output.
- Consuming plenty of water daily reduces the likelihood of kidney stone formation.
Short Activity
Objective: identify the causes of renal failure, the composition of kidney stones, and their effects on the urinary system.
A. Objective Quiz
Which of the following is the leading cause of renal failure?
Which kidney structure is specifically damaged by both diabetes mellitus and high blood pressure?
B. Fill in the Blanks
Kidney stones can lodge in and block the , thereby reducing the production and flow of urine.
Kidney stones are hard masses composed of uric acid, crystalline calcium phosphate, or calcium .
C. Matching / Drag and Drop
Match each health condition or structure to its correct description based on the textbook. On a phone, tap a choice first, then tap the matching box. Tap the Answer Choices area to return a selected item.
C. Match the Health Term to Its Description
Write the correct health term next to each description.
| Description | Health Term |
|---|---|
| 1. The leading cause of renal failure | |
| 2. Structure damaged by high blood pressure and diabetes mellitus | |
| 3. Hard masses formed from uric acid, calcium oxalate, or crystalline calcium phosphate | |
| 4. Daily habit that reduces the likelihood of kidney stone formation |
Answer choices: Diabetes mellitus • Glomerulus • Kidney stones • Drinking a lot of water
