Lecture 30: THE URETERS, BLADDER AND URETHRA Flashcards
How are transitional epithelium cells?
Stratified, rounded
What happens to transitional epithelium cells when stretched?
They flatten
What is the purpose of transitional epithelium?
For protection from urine (waste product) returning to the underlying tissues
Where do the ureters arise from?
The renal pelvis at each hilum
What are the ureters?
Slender tubes that carry urine from kidneys to bladder
Where do the ureters travel?
Descend retroperitoneally through the abdomen vertically from hila (has some curves)
What moves urine to the bladder?
Peristaltic waves and gravity
What are the layers of the ureter (inner to outer)?
Transitional epithelium, muscularis, adventiita
How is the muscularis of the ureter?
Inner longitudinal and outer circular
What is the adventitia?
Outer covering of FCT
What is on the inner surface of the ureter?
Folded protective waxy protein plaques
How do the ureters enter the bladder?
They run obliquely through the wall at its postolateral corners
What does the ureter act as?
A sphincter/valve which is compressed by increases bladder pressure to prevent backflow
What is the urinary bladder?
A collapsible muscular sac
What does the urinary bladder do?
Stores and expels urine
What does the urinary bladder do when empty?
Collapses along folds (rugae)
What does the urinary bladder do when full?
Expands without great increase in pressure
What is the volume of the urinary bladder?
Approximately 500ml
What are rugae?
Folds that allow the bladder to expand
What is the trigone?
Triangular region between 2 openings of entry of ureters and 1 opening for urethra
What is the shape of an empty bladder?
Pyramidal