10 Questions
What is the function of the urinary bladder?
Stores urine
Which structure connects the kidneys to the urinary bladder?
Ureters
What is the main role of peristaltic contractions in the ureters?
To transport urine
Where does each ureter begin?
Renal pelvis
How long are the ureters approximately?
12 inches
Where are the ureters located in relation to the abdominal wall?
Retroperitoneal
In which gender does the base of the urinary bladder lie between the rectum and pubic symphysis?
Male
Where do the ureters penetrate the urinary bladder?
"Without entering the peritoneal cavity"
What is the function of ureters?
Transport urine
Where is the base of the urinary bladder located in females?
Inferior to uterus and anterior to vagina
Study Notes
Ureteric Orifices and Ureter Walls
- Ureteric orifices are slit-like, preventing backflow of urine towards the ureter and kidneys when the urinary bladder contracts.
- The ureter wall consists of three layers: mucosa, muscular layer, and outer connective tissue layer.
Ureter Function
- Peristaltic contractions occur every 30 seconds, starting at the renal pelvis and forcing urine towards the urinary bladder.
Urinary Bladder
- The urinary bladder is a hollow, muscular organ that serves as temporary storage for urine.
- A full urinary bladder can contain up to 1 liter of urine.
- The dimensions of the urinary bladder vary with its state of distension.
Urethra
- The urethra extends from the neck of the urinary bladder to the exterior of the body.
- In males, the urethra is approximately 18-20 cm (7-8 in.) long and divided into three segments: prostatic, membranous, and spongy urethra.
Urinary Reflexes
- Urine reaches the urinary bladder by peristaltic contractions of the ureters.
- The urge to urinate typically appears when the urinary bladder contains about 200 mL of urine.
- Urine storage and release involve simultaneous, coordinated activities controlled by spinal reflexes and higher centers in the brain.
Blood Supply and Innervation of the Kidneys
- The kidneys receive 20-25% of the total cardiac output, with approximately 1200 mL of blood flowing through the kidneys each minute.
- The renal nerves, which innervate the kidneys and ureters, are dominated by sympathetic postganglionic fibers.
Urine Formation and Elimination
- Urine is transported by the ureters, stored in the bladder, and eliminated through the urethra by urinary reflexes.
- Filtrate modification and urine production end when the fluid enters the renal pelvis.
- The urinary tract transports, stores, and eliminates urine.
Ureters
- The ureters are a pair of muscular tubes that extend from the kidneys to the urinary bladder, approximately 30 cm (12 in.) in length.
- Each ureter begins at the renal pelvis and extends inferiorly and medially, passing over the anterior surfaces of the psoas major.
- The ureters are retroperitoneal and firmly attached to the posterior abdominal wall.
Learn about the structure and function of ureters, including the layers of the ureteric wall and the oblique angle at which they pass through the bladder. Understand how the slit-like shape of ureteric orifices prevents backflow of urine towards the kidneys.
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