Abdomen 4 - Ureter Flashcards
function of the ureter?
transports urine from the renal pelvis to the urinary bladder via peristaltic contractions
what type of epithelium lines the ureter? why?
stratified transitional epithelium - allows stretching & maintains a strong protective barrier against acidic, toxic urine
what is the length and diameter of the ureter?
25-30cm long
approx. 3mm in diameter
which nerve does the ureter cross anteriorly?
genitofemoral nerve
which vessels cross the ureter obliquely?
gonadal vessels (testicular/ovarian)
which muscle does the ureter descend anterior to early in its course?
psoas major
at what point does the ureter enter the pelvis?
when it crosses the bifurcation of the common iliac artery
the ureter run in front of WHAT ARTERY as it descends into the pelvis?
the internal iliac artery
what structures cross the ureter near its termination (water under a bridge) - in males & females?
males - vas deferens
females - uterine artery
how does the ureter enter the bladder, and why is this significant?
ureter passes obliquely through the bladder wall for about ¾ inch before opening into the bladder cavity
significance: acts as a passive valve to prevent urine reflux
following the bifurcation of the common iliac arteries, the ureter runs medially opposite WHAT structure/landmark to enter the base of the bladder?
turns medially opposite the ISCHIAL SPINE
describe the course of the ureter from the renal pelvis
from the renal pelvis - descends anterior to psoas major
crosses anterior to genitofemoral nerve
obliquely crossed by gonadal vessels
crosses bifurcation of common iliac vessels and enters pelvis
runs down in front of internal iliac artery - reaches ischial spine
turns forward and medially towards base of bladder
near its termination - is crossed by vas deferens (MALES)/ uterine artery (FEMALES)
passes obliquely through bladder wall for approx. 3/4 of an inch - opens into bladder cavity
what is the peritoneal classification of the ureter?
retroperitoneal
