Genitourinary system facts for kids
The genitourinary system, also called the urogenital system, includes the organs of the urinary system and the reproductive system. These two systems are grouped together because they are very close to each other in the body. They also share some common tubes and pathways.
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Understanding the Genitourinary System
The genitourinary system is important for two main jobs in your body. One part helps your body get rid of waste. The other part is involved in making new life. These two systems work closely together. They are often studied as one system because of their shared location and some shared functions.
The Urinary System: Your Body's Waste Remover
The urinary system is like your body's cleaning crew. Its main job is to filter your blood. It removes waste products and extra water from your body. This process creates urine. The urinary system helps keep your body healthy by balancing fluids and chemicals.
Key Parts of the Urinary System
- Kidneys: You have two kidneys. They are bean-shaped organs. They are located on each side of your spine, just below your rib cage. Kidneys filter about 120 to 150 quarts of blood every day. They produce about 1 to 2 quarts of urine.
- Ureters: These are two thin tubes. They carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. Each ureter is about 10 to 12 inches long. They use muscle contractions to push urine down.
- Bladder: The bladder is a hollow, muscular organ. It stores urine until it is ready to be released from the body. It can hold about 1.5 to 2 cups of urine. The bladder expands like a balloon as it fills.
- Urethra: This tube carries urine from the bladder out of the body. In males, the urethra is longer and also carries semen. In females, it is shorter and only carries urine.
How the Urinary System Works
Blood flows into your kidneys through special arteries. Inside the kidneys, tiny filtering units called nephrons clean the blood. They remove waste products like urea and extra salts. They also remove excess water. The clean blood then goes back into your body. The waste and extra water become urine.
The urine travels from the kidneys down the ureters. It collects in your bladder. When your bladder is full, you feel the need to urinate. Muscles in the bladder contract. This pushes the urine out of your body through the urethra. This whole process helps keep your body clean and balanced.
The Reproductive System: Creating New Life
The reproductive system is responsible for making new human beings. It is different in males and females. While it shares some structures with the urinary system, its main job is reproduction. We will not go into detail about this system here.
Why They Are Grouped Together
The urinary and reproductive systems are grouped because they are very close. They are in the same general area of the body. In males, the urethra is part of both systems. It carries both urine and semen. In females, the systems are separate but still very close. Their closeness means they can sometimes affect each other.
Keeping Your Genitourinary System Healthy
It is important to take care of your genitourinary system. Here are some tips:
- Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated helps your kidneys work well. It flushes out waste.
- Eat a balanced diet: Healthy eating supports all your body systems.
- Practice good hygiene: This helps prevent infections, especially in the urinary tract.
- Don't hold urine: Empty your bladder when you feel the need. Holding it too long can lead to problems.
- See a doctor: If you ever feel pain or notice changes in your urination, tell a trusted adult or doctor.
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