The urinary tract is the ” wastewater treatment plant Of the organization. Its role is to eliminate the waste present in the blood, but also to maintain the balance of the organism. It does this by producing and excretingurine¹.

Three main organs make up the urinary tract:

• Two kidneys. These bean-shaped organs are located in the lower back on either side of the spine. Partially protected by the last ribs, they measure about ten centimeters. They rid the blood of toxic waste (urea, creatinine), secrete hormones (renin, erythropoietin) and ensure body balance (homeostasis).  

• The bladder is located in the lower abdomen, just behind the pubis. It is usually not palpable (except in cases of urgent need!). Its role is to store the urine produced by the kidneys.

Two conduits allow urine to pass from the kidneys to the bladder: the ureters. The bladder extends to the outside through another duct: urethra.

In humans, the urethra is partly surrounded by the prostate. This explains the difficulty in urinating that some men encounter as they age. Much smaller, the urethra of women is also the site of disorders, such as urinary burns during urinary tract infection.