What is the urinary tract?
The urinary tract encompasses the organs and ducts involved in production and expulsion of urine from the body—the bladder, the two ureters (ducts) leading from the kidneys to the bladder, and the urethra (the tube through which urine is expelled from the body). The urinary tract can become infected by bacteria, causing irritation, swelling and pain that requires treatment by antibiotic medication. Girls are more likely than boys to contract a urinary tract infection (UTI). Treatment of UTIs is important to avoid spread of the infection to the kidneys, which can lead to permanent kidney damage.
