Urination facts for kids

Urination is how animals and humans remove urine from their bodies. Urine is the scientific term for "pee". It is a liquid waste product that your body makes. Your body filters this liquid out of your bloodstream and from the drinks you have. Urination is a very important process for keeping your body healthy.

What is Urination?

Urination is the process of getting rid of urine from your body. It is also called "peeing" or "voiding". Your body makes urine to remove waste products and extra water. This helps to keep your body's balance just right.

How Your Body Makes Urine

Your body has a special system called the urinary system that makes and stores urine. This system includes your kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.

The Kidneys: Your Body's Filters

You have two kidneys, which are bean-shaped organs. They are located on each side of your spine, just below your rib cage. Your kidneys work like amazing filters. They clean your blood by removing waste products and extra water. This waste and water become urine. Your kidneys make about 1 to 2 liters of urine every day.

The Ureters: Tiny Tubes

Once your kidneys make urine, it travels down two thin tubes called ureters. Each ureter connects one kidney to your bladder. They carry the urine from your kidneys to your bladder.

The Bladder: A Storage Tank

Your bladder is a muscular bag that stores urine. It expands like a balloon as it fills up. When your bladder is full, it sends signals to your brain. This tells you that you need to go to the bathroom. A typical bladder can hold about 300 to 500 milliliters of urine. That's about the size of a soda can!

The Urethra: The Exit Tube

When you are ready to urinate, the urine leaves your bladder through a tube called the urethra. This tube carries the urine out of your body.

Why is Urination Important?

Urination is very important for your health. Here are some reasons why:

• Removes Waste: Urine carries away waste products that your body doesn't need. These wastes can be harmful if they build up.
• Balances Water: Your body needs a certain amount of water. Urination helps remove extra water if you drink too much. It also helps your body keep water if you are dehydrated.
• Maintains Health: By removing waste and balancing water, urination helps keep your blood healthy. It also helps your organs work correctly.

Fun Facts About Pee

• The yellow color of urine comes from a pigment called urobilin. This pigment is a waste product from old red blood cells.
• Most people urinate about 6 to 8 times a day. This can change depending on how much you drink.
• Animals also urinate to mark their territory. This is why dogs often pee on fire hydrants or trees.

Dog Peeing on Fire Hydrant

See also

In Spanish: Micción para niños