Disorders of the excretory system
Human excretory system · Biology
Study notes
A diabetic's sweet-smelling urine was the ancient diagnostic test — tasting it confirmed excess glucose spilling over. Today a dipstick does it in seconds: protein in urine signals glomerulonephritis (inflamed filters), blood signals stones or infection. Kidney stones — crystallized salts — cause waves of excruciating flank pain as they travel down the ureter.