Dr. G. Sarath Babu, MD, (JIPMER) DM, (PGI, Chandigarh), Consultant Nephrologist and<br />
Transplant Physician, Vijaya Super Speciality Hospital, Vijayawada
The urinary tract is divided into two sections: lower and upper. The ureters (tubes that convey urine from the kidneys to the bladder) and kidneys make up the upper urinary tract (which filters the blood to produce urine). The urethra (the tube that transports urine from the bladder to the outside) and the bladder comprise the lower tract (which stores urine). Bacteria entering the urinary tract through the urethra and spreading to the bladder primarily cause UTIs. The urinary system is intended to keep germs out. However, the defenses do occasionally fail. When that happens, bacteria may take hold and grow into a full-blown infection in the urinary tract.