Urinary, Reproductive, and Regulatory Systems

This unit examines the structure and function of the urinary and reproductive systems and how they contribute to organismal homeostasis. It also explores neural and endocrine regulation that coordinates excretory and reproductive processes, building on prior anatomy foundations and preparing students for clinical and systems-integration applications in the final unit.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze structure–function relationships in the urinary system and trace the path of urine formation from filtration to excretion, including roles of key anatomical components
• Apply principles of renal homeostasis and negative/positive feedback to predict physiological responses to changes in fluid balance, electrolytes, and acid–base status
• Demonstrate and compare gametogenesis, hormonal regulation, and major anatomical differences of the male and female reproductive systems, and summarize the physiological stages of pregnancy
• Evaluate how the nervous and endocrine systems interact to regulate urinary and reproductive functions through neural pathways and hormonal signaling, including feedback mechanisms