Micturition Flashcards
What is micturition?
Micturition is the act of urination - expelling urine and waste from the body
How does micturition happen?
Urine accumulates in the bladder
The detrustor muscle of the bladder contracts
The internal urethral sphincter relaxes (involuntary)
The external urethral sphincter relaxes (voluntary)
Urine leaves the body through the urethra
At how many mL does the body start to signal the urge to urinate?
200mL
What is incontinence?
The inability to hold urine voluntarily
What are some causes of incontinence?
Old age, infants, nervous system damage, emotional trauma, pregnancy
What is urinary retention?
The inability to urinate
What are some common causes of urinary retention?
In males, enlarged prostates can press down and narrow the urethra; following general anesthesia because detrusor muscle is still regaining function.
What is the treatment for urinary retention?
Catheter.
