Anatomy and Course of the Ureter

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the ureter?

To filter blood

To produce urine

To store urine

To convey urine from the kidney to the urinary bladder (correct)

How long is the ureter typically?

About 25-30 cm (correct)

Approximately 15-20 cm

Around 35-40 cm

Near 50 cm

Which of the following correctly describes the anatomical course of the ureter?

It descends medially on the psoas major behind the peritoneum (correct)

It has a straight course with no constrictions

It runs only in the abdomen

It has a constant diameter throughout its length

What are the features that characterize the ureter?

It shows three constrictions during its course Signup and view all the answers

Where does the ureter enter the pelvis?

By passing in front of the end of the common iliac artery Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the oblique course of the ureter within the bladder wall?

It helps prevent backflow of urine into the ureter Signup and view all the answers

What does the blood supply of the ureter primarily come from?

Renal artery, gonadal artery, and abdominal aorta Signup and view all the answers

Which developmental structure gives rise to the ureter during embryology?

Intermediate mesoderm Signup and view all the answers

What are the three main constriction sites of the ureter?

At the renal pelvis, pelvic brim, and bladder wall Signup and view all the answers

Which arteries are mainly responsible for supplying blood to the ureter?

Internal iliac artery, uterine artery, and abdominal aorta Signup and view all the answers

Which spinal segments contribute sympathetic and sensory fibers to the ureter?

T10, T11, T12, and L1 Signup and view all the answers

What is a common clinical presentation associated with ureteric colic?

Pain radiating from the lumbar region to the groin Signup and view all the answers

From which embryonic structure does the ureter develop?

Ureteric bud from the mesonephric duct Signup and view all the answers

What happens during the embryological development of the ureter?

It divides to form pelvis of ureter, major and minor calyces, and collecting tubules Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an anomaly associated with the ureter?

Hypoplastic ureter Signup and view all the answers

Which nerve is primarily responsible for the radiation of pain in cases of ureteric colic?

Genitofemoral nerve Signup and view all the answers

Which structure primarily prevents the backflow of urine into the ureter when the bladder is distended?

Pelvic ureter Signup and view all the answers

What nerve runs posterior to the ureter providing important innervation?

Genitofemoral nerve Signup and view all the answers

Which arteries supply blood to the pelvic part of the ureter in females?

Umbilical and obturator arteries Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary posterior relationship of the ureter on both the right and left sides?

Psoas major Signup and view all the answers

During embryology, what structures give rise to the ureter?

Metanephros Signup and view all the answers

Which vessels are located anterior to the ureter on the right side?

Right colic vessels Signup and view all the answers

What is the anterior relation of the ureter proper on the left side?

Left colic vessels Signup and view all the answers

What structure lies immediately in front of the ureter at the base of the bladder in males?

Seminal vesicle Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the ureter is related to the common iliac artery?

Ureter proper Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant posterior relation for the pelvic portion of the ureter in females?

Internal iliac artery Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Anatomy of the Ureter

The ureter is a muscular tube that transports urine from the kidney to the urinary bladder.
It is approximately 25-30 cm long and 3 mm in diameter.
It has three constrictions along its course.
The ureter runs about half its length in the abdomen and the other half in the pelvis.

Course of the Ureter

The renal pelvis divides into 2-3 major calyces, each of which divides into multiple minor calyces.
Each minor calyx receives 1-3 renal papillae, which are the apices of the renal pyramids.
The renal pelvis travels downwards along the medial border of the kidney, connecting to the ureter proper opposite the lower pole of the kidney.
The ureter descends with a slight medial inclination on the psoas major, located directly behind the peritoneum.
The ureter crosses in front of the end of the common iliac artery or the beginning of the external iliac artery as it enters the pelvis.
The ureter enters the pelvis by crossing in front of the end of the common iliac artery or the beginning of the external iliac artery.
The ureter runs along the lateral wall of the pelvis to the level of the ischial spine, then curves medially to enter the postero-superior angle of the urinary bladder.
The ureter runs on an oblique course within the bladder wall, opening into the superolateral wall of the trigone.

Constrictions of the Ureter

Pelvi-ureteric junction: Where the ureter connects to the renal pelvis, opposite the lower end of the kidney.
Where the ureter crosses the end of the common iliac artery: At the pelvic brim.
Intramural part: Where the ureter passes inside the bladder wall, the narrowest part.

Blood and Nerve Supply of the Ureter

Arterial Blood Supply:
- Renal artery (supplies the renal pelvis)
- Abdominal aorta
- Gonadal artery
- Common iliac artery
- Internal iliac artery
- Uterine artery (in females)
- Inferior vesical artery
Nerve Supply:
- Sympathetic and sensory fibers are derived from spinal segments T10, T11, T12, and L1.

Embryology of the Ureter

The ureter develops from the ureteric bud, which originates from the caudal part of the mesonephric duct (a tube that grows dorsally and cranially to penetrate the metanephric cap).
The upper end of the ureter divides repeatedly to form:
- Pelvis of the ureter
- Major and minor calyces
- Collecting tubules of the kidney
The ureter comes to open into the bladder as a result of the absorption of the caudal segment of the mesonephric duct into the posterior wall of the urogenital sinus.
Two fusiform dilatations appear in the lumen (one in the abdominal part and the other in the pelvic part), resulting in three relative constrictions at the ends of these dilatations.

Anomalies of the Ureter

Double ureter
Ectopic ureter
Bifid ureter

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Description

This quiz focuses on the anatomy and function of the ureter, including its structure, length, and the course it takes from the kidneys to the bladder. Explore details about the renal pelvis, major and minor calyces, and the anatomical relations of the ureter as it descends into the pelvis.