Ureter Anatomy Quiz

Questions and Answers

Which segment of the ureter is located over the sacrum?

Proximal segment

Middle segment (correct)

Distal segment

Abdominal segment

What is the length of the ureter in adults?

30 to 35 cm

22 to 30 cm (correct)

1.5 to 6 mm

6.5 to 7.0 cm

Where does the ureter pass over the pelvic brim?

At the renal pelvis

At the UPJ

At the bifurcation of the common iliac artery (correct)

At the bladder

Where is the ureter situated in the retroperitoneum?

Just lateral to the tips of the transverse processes of the lumbar vertebrae Signup and view all the answers

How is the ureter divided according to international anatomic terminology?

Abdominal, pelvic, and intramural segments Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the abdominal parts of the ureters is correct?

The abdominal parts of the ureters are adherent to the retroperitoneum throughout their entire course. Signup and view all the answers

Where does the surface anatomy of the ureter correspond to from the back?

A point 5 cm lateral to the L1 spinous process. Signup and view all the answers

How many constrictions can be identified radiologically in each ureter?

Three Signup and view all the answers

Where is the first constriction of the ureter located?

At its junction with the renal pelvis (UPJ). Signup and view all the answers

What are the potential sites of obstruction by ureteral calculi?

The junction of the ureter with the renal pelvis (UPJ) and during its passage through the wall of the urinary bladder (intramural ureter) or ureterovesical junction. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ureter Anatomy and Physiology

The pelvic portion of the ureter is located over the sacrum.
The total length of the ureter in adults usually measures around 25 to 30 centimeters.
The ureter passes over the pelvic brim at the level of the L4 or L5 vertebrae.
In the retroperitoneum, the ureter is situated posteriorly, lying against the abdominal wall and crossing over the psoas major muscle.

Ureteral Segmentation

According to international anatomic terminology, the ureter is divided into abdominal and pelvic segments.

Abdominal Ureters

The abdominal parts of the ureters are commonly found to have variations, but the typical description includes segments that follow the course of the kidneys.
From a posterior perspective, the surface anatomy of the ureter corresponds to the transverse process of the lumbar vertebrae.

Constrictions and Obstructions

Each ureter typically exhibits three notable constrictions identifiable in radiological imaging.
The first constriction of the ureter is located at the junction where it transitions from the renal pelvis.
Potential sites of obstruction caused by ureteral calculi include the renal pelvis, ureteropelvic junction, pelvic brim, and ureterovesical junction.