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The urinary system includes the [[Macroscopic Renal Anatomy - Anatomy & Physiology|kidneys]], the [[Ureters - Anatomy & Physiology|ureters]] which join the kidneys to the [[Urinary Bladder - Anatomy & Physiology|bladder]], and the [[Urethra - Anatomy & Physiology|urethras]] which permit urine collecting in the bladder to be excreted - a process termed [[Process of Micturition - Anatomy & Physiology|micturition]]. Understanding the physiology of kidney function is key when looking at the diseases  that occur in this organ, and the anatomy of all the structures within the urinary sytem is significant as a foundation to understanding the pathology which affects them. The kidneys also play a vital role in the excretion of many different types of veterinary drug.

The urinary system includes the [[Macroscopic Renal Anatomy - Anatomy & Physiology|kidneys]], the [[Ureters - Anatomy & Physiology|ureters]] which join the kidneys to the [[Urinary Bladder - Anatomy & Physiology|bladder]], and the [[Urethra - Anatomy & Physiology|urethras]] which permit urine collecting in the bladder to be excreted - a process termed [[Process of Micturition - Anatomy & Physiology|micturition]]. Understanding the physiology of kidney function is key when looking at the diseases  that occur in this organ, and the anatomy of all the structures within the urinary sytem is significant as a foundation to understanding the pathology which affects them. The kidneys also play a vital role in the excretion of many different types of veterinary drug.

==Kidney==

==The Kidney==

The function of the [[Kidney - Anatomy & Physiology|kidneys]] is to maintain the volume and composition of plasma, regulate water, ion and pH levels, retain nutrients and excrete waste, toxins and excess electrolytes. The kidneys achieve these functions via glomerular filtration, solute reabsorption, tubular secretion, water balance and acid-base regulation.

The function of the kidneys is to maintain the volume and composition of plasma, regulate water, ion and pH levels, retain nutrients and excrete waste, toxins and excess electrolytes. The kidneys achieve these functions via glomerular filtration, solute reabsorption, tubular secretion, water balance and acid-base regulation.

The kidneys are paired organs which reside in the left hand side and right hand side of the dorsal abdomen respectively. Their role is to filter the blood through the renal corpuscle; this comprises a capillary tuft known as a glomerulus which is surrounded by the Bownam's capsule within the [[The Nephron - Anatomy & Physiology|nephron]], and the movement of fluid and soluble material across these structures forms what is known as the filtrate. The filtrate is then on the whole reabsorbed along the nephron until what is left comprises compounds superfluous to the requirements of the organism. Some compounds, normally fully reabsorbed, are occasionally present in the body in excess - the kidney tubules are able to respond to this excess and excrete such compounds in greater amounts. This is how the kidneys play a major role in the homeostasis of an animal. The kidneys also play a vital role in [[Introduction to Fluid Movement - Physiology |total water balance]], varying their excretion of water in relation to the hydration status of the animal.  

The kidneys are paired organs which reside in the left hand side and right hand side of the dorsal abdomen respectively. Their role is to filter the blood through the renal corpuscle; this comprises a capillary tuft known as a glomerulus which is surrounded by the Bownam's capsule within the [[The Nephron - Anatomy & Physiology|nephron]], and the movement of fluid and soluble material across these structures forms what is known as the filtrate. The filtrate is then on the whole reabsorbed along the nephron until what is left comprises compounds superfluous to the requirements of the organism. Some compounds, normally fully reabsorbed, are occasionally present in the body in excess - the kidney tubules are able to respond to this excess and excrete such compounds in greater amounts. This is how the kidneys play a major role in the homeostasis of an animal. The kidneys also play a vital role in [[Introduction to Fluid Movement - Physiology |total water balance]], varying their excretion of water in relation to the hydration status of the animal.