Urinary System Pathologies: Common Diseases and Disorders

A summary image of kidney diseases and disorders

Diseases of the kidneys or bladder can compromise urinary system functions. Below are some common diseases of the urinary system.

1. Kidney Stones Form from Substances in Urine

Click to play an animation of kidney stone formation in the urinary tract

The kidneys produce urine to eliminate waste. Kidney stones can form when mineral and acid salts in the urine crystallize and stick together. If the stone is small, it can pass easily through the urinary system and out of the body. A larger stone can get stuck in the urinary tract, however. A stuck kidney stone causes pain and can block the flow of urine.

© 2024 Visible Body

Kidney Stones

Kidney stones form within the kidney when the urine becomes concentrated. This causes the debris to crystallize and form hard deposits.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Get more 3D anatomy!

2. Urinary Incontinence Is the Loss of Bladder Control

Click to play an animation of the sphincter weakening and causing bladder control issues

Most bladder control issues arise when the sphincter muscles of the urethra are too weak or too active. If the sphincter muscles are too weak, a cough or sneeze can cause urination. Sphincter muscles that are too active can trigger a sudden, strong urge to urinate with little urine in the bladder. These issues are diagnosed as urinary incontinence (UI). Women experience UI twice as often as men. It becomes more common with age.

3. Fluid-filled Cysts Can Develop in the Kidneys

Click to play an animation of cyst formation on the kidneys

A simple kidney cyst is a rounded pouch or a closed pocket that is usually filled with fluid. In polycystic kidney disease (PKD), clusters of cysts form inside the kidneys and take the place of the normal tissue. The affected kidneys become enlarged and work poorly. PKD is an inherited condition that often leads to kidney failure, requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation. Acquired cystic kidney disease (ACKD) typically affects people already on dialysis from chronic kidney disease. In ACKD the kidneys do not enlarge and no other symptoms occur.

4. Chronic Kidney Disease Can Lead to Kidney Failure

A comparison of healthy and diseased kidneys

In chronic kidney disease (CKD), the kidneys are damaged and unable to filter blood properly. This damage can lead to a build-up of waste substances in the body and to other problems, including kidney failure. The most common causes of CKD include diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. A diseased kidney may look smaller and have a granular surface.

External Sources

Diet may be linked to UTIs from Science Daily.

Visible Body Web Suite provides in-depth coverage of each body system in a guided, visually stunning presentation.

7 Things to Know About Kidney Function” from the National Kidney Foundation.