Renal System

Includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. This system is responsible for filtering the blood, regulating extracellular fluid and eliminating metabolic waste from the blood and body.
One of the most important functions of the renal system includes the dual role it plays in the regulation of blood pressure. First the kidneys secrete the hormone renin, which indirectly increases vascular resistance (vasoconstriction) and consequently increases blood pressure. Second, elimination of excess fluid through the kidney maintains a consistent fluid level in the body.
During resistance exercise, systolic (top number) and diastolic (bottom number) blood pressure increases in proportion to exercise load. So if an athlete has cardiovascular or kidney problems they are advised to avoid resistance training. Endurance exercise helps to control hypertension (high blood pressure) and is recommended for athletes with cardiovascular or renal system insufficiency.

Pain patterns

Renal System

Kidneys-refer pain to the same side of the lower back or abdomen.

Pathology of the renal system

Kidney Trauma:
-Direct blow to the middle or low back.
-Athlete will most likely urinate blood.
-Tenderness or swelling may be present over ribs 10-12.
-Out of sport for 6-8 weeks.
-If an athlete has only 1 kidney, they are not allowed to participate
in contact sports.

Kidney Trauma Links:
http://www.medstudents.com.br/cirur/cirur4.htm
http://www.utahmountainbiking.com/firstaid/trunk.htm

Kidney Stones
-Sudden severe, one-sided pain in lower back and abdomen.
-Negative history for trauma.
-Decreased risk with balanced diet and proper hydration.
Abnormal Urinalysis
-Hematuria (blood in the urine)
-Proteinuria (protein in the urine)
-Glucosuria (glucose in urine)
-All require urgent referral to a physician.

Kidney Stone Links:
http://www.kidney.ca/stone-e.htm
http://www.urologyinstitute.com/html/kidney_stones.html

Urinalysis Links:
http://www.health.harvard.edu/fhg/diagnostics/urine/urine.shtml
http://www.mesavet.com/library/urinalysis.htm

Male Urogenital System

Includes the prostate gland, the spermatic cord, the testicles and associated organs of spermatozoa production, the urethra, and the penis.

Pain Patterns
Trauma produces a distinctive, temporary and incapaciting pain. Pain that lasts longer than 10 minutes suggests a more serious injury. The prostate gland refers pain to the lower back, scrotum or perineum.

Disorders of the Male Urogenital system

Monorchidism
-Absence of one testicle, can be either congenital or traumatically
acquired.
-Excludes a male from contact sports.

Scrotum and Testicular Trauma
-Protective equipment (cup) can prevent trauma.
-Usually results in temporary pain (less than 10 minutes).
-Greater than 10 minutes of pain; more serious injury is suspected.

Testicular Torsion

-History of trauma and pain that lasts greater than 10 minutes.
-Athlete may complain of being nauseous or may vomit.
-Self-evaluation may report a “twisted” position of testicle.
-Requires immediate referral for surgery.

Testicular Torsion Links:
http://brighamrad.harvard.edu/Cases/bwh/hcache/125/full.html

Female Urogenital System

Includes the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus and vagina.

Pain Patterns
Uterus refers pain to the middle and lower back. Ovaries and fallopian tubes refer pain to the lower abdomen and sacrum.

Disorders of the Female Urogenital system

Pregnancy
-Athlete should consult with their physician as to their particpation in athletic activities.

Pregnancy Links:
http://health.discovery.com/diseasesandcond/encyclopedia/2956.html

Female Athlete Triad
-Describes the simultaneous presence of disordered eating, amenorrhea (lack of menstrual cycle) and osteoporosis (premature bone loss).
-Disordered eating is seen first:

Warning signs include:
· Obsession with calories and body weight.
· Expression of “being fat”, when they are not.
· Consuming inappropriate amounts of food.
· Compulsive exercise.
· Greater than 5% change in body weight in 4 weeks.
· Sudden changes in mood or personality.
-Disordered eating can cause amenorrhea due to interaction of hormone imbalances and inadequate nutrition.
-Hormone changes and amenorrhea contribute to osteoporosis. Which result in greater risk of fractures.

Female Athlete Triad Links:
http://kidshealth.org/teen/food_fitness/problems/triad.html
http://www.rice.edu/~jenky/sports/femathltri.html
http://www.personal.psu.edu/faculty/n/i/niw1/Resources/image10.gif

Ovarian Cysts
-Fibrous cysts are vascular and fluid filled.
-May cause unusual bleeding or menstrual cycle interference.
-May rupture, producing sudden and severe internal hemorrhaging. This is a medical emergency.
-Athletes may participate with cysts but must be wary of symptoms.

Ovarian Cysts Links:
http://www.mjbovo.com/OvarianCysts.htm
http://www.pta.net.au/sgeg/ovcyst.htm

Works Cited:

The Female Athlete Triad: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment.
http://www.physsportsmed.com/issues/1996/07_96/smith.htm

Sports and Women’s Athletes: The Female Athlete Triad
http://familydoctor.org/handouts/599.html

United States Renal Data System
http://www.usrds.org/

O’Connor, Daniel. “Renal and Urogenital Systems.” Clinical Pathology for Athletic Trainers: Recognizing Systemic Disease. New Jersey: Slack Incorporated; 2001: 95-105.

Pictures Cited:
http://www.le.ac.uk/pathology/teach/va/anatomy/case4/4_1.html

http://www.akfinc.org/KidneyFacts/KidneyFactsContentStones.htm

http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/kidney/pubs/stonadul/stonadul.htm

http://www.euroestrogenes.org/euroestrogenes_urogenital.htm

http://www.merck.com/mrkshared/mmanual_home/illus/229i1.jsp

http://www.homehealth-uk.com/medical/femalebodydiagram.htm

http://www.personal.psu.edu/faculty/n/i/niw1/research.html

http://www.iemily.com/Article.cfm?ArtID=344

http://www.personal.psu.edu/faculty/n/i/niw1/Resources/image10.gif