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The Marvels of Kidneys: From Structure to Evolution

For starters, just the microscopic appearance alone of kidneys is what initially drew me in. The clusters of glomeruli reminded me of pomegranates or perhaps a little bundle of yarn. They're spaced all throughout the outer layer of kidney, known as the cortex. And the way they light up so vibrantly pink with a PAS stain is absolutely remarkable. Moving inward from there, you come to the medulla. Perfectly arranged rows of tubules—the dream for someone who loves organization as much as I do. Not to mention the urinary system contains the most unique epithelium, transitional epithelium! Which can only be found within the ureter, urethra, and bladder. All these wonderful little characteristics…

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 Debunking Common Urology Myths: Separating Fact from Fiction

The belief that cranberry juice can cure urinary tract infections is a long-standing urology myth. While cranberry juice may have some benefits, it’s not a cure-all for UTIs.

Articles of Interest

How to Maintain a Healthy Urinary Tract

Ahhhhh, the urinary tract. We all have one. This vital system filters blood and eliminates unwanted waste and water as urine. It is comprised of multiple anatomical structures placed in a particular order: kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra.

How Your Urinary System Works

Your Urinary System is a vital system that helps your body remove waste and excess water through urine. It includes a few key structures that work together seamlessly.

Rx for Doctors: Stop With the Urine Tests

The tests often are positive in people without symptoms, particularly older patients. The result: overtreatment with antibiotics.

The Urinary Tract & How It Works

All parts of the urinary tract—the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra—must work together to urinate normally. The urinary tract includes two sets of muscles that work together as a sphincter, closing off the urethra to keep urine in the bladder between your trips to the bathroom. The internal sphincter muscles of the bladder neck and urethra stay closed until your brain sends signals to urinate. The external sphincter muscles surround the internal sphincter and provide extra pressure to keep the urethra closed. You can consciously squeeze the external sphincter and the pelvic floor muscles to keep urine from leaking out.

You can train yourself to pee less often — and 8 other surprising facts about urine

Everybody pees. But that doesn't mean everybody has a perfect grasp of how, exactly, it works. There are many mystifying aspects of urination — starting with what color your urine should be, how long you can safely hold it for, and if "breaking the seal" is a real thing. With this in mind, I spoke to NYU urologist Benjamin Brucker to ask some of the most pressing questions about peeing.

Resources

10 Ways to Keep Your Bladder Healthy and Happy

These simple lifestyle changes and exercises can help ensure that your bladder keeps doing its job — and doesn't call attention to itself.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

The urinary tract is the body’s drainage system for removing urine, which is made up of wastes and extra fluid. For normal urination to occur, all body parts in the urinary tract need to work together, and in the correct order. The urinary tract includes two kidneys, two ureters, a bladder, and a urethra.

Tips for Keeping Your Urinary System Healthy

There are are a few simple habits you can adopt that may reduce the risk of problems developing in your urinary tract, including urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and chronic UTIs.