Renal tract anatomy (excl. kidneys) Flashcards
How long are the ureters?
25-30cm long
How wide are the ureters?
3-4mm in diameter
Where do the ureters lie?
In the retroperitoneal space
Where do the ureters arise from?
Pelvis of kidney
Where do the ureters exit the kidney?
Hilum in the transpyloric plane at L1
Where do the ureters pass in relation to the posts major?
Pass anteriorly to the posts major
Which part of the bladder do the ureters enter at?
Lateral aspect in an oblique fashion
Why do the ureters enter the bladder in an oblique direction?
Creates a valve that prevents back flow of urine
What are the 3 main points of constriction of the ureters?
Pelvicoureteric junction of renal pelvis and ureter (PUJ)
Bifurcation of the common iliac arteries
Vesicoureteric junction (VUJ)
Mass effects of what can cause ureteric obstruction?
Constipation
Pregnancy
Ovarian cysts
Nerves to the ureters arise from where?
Renal plexus
The renal plexus is supplied by nerves from where?
Thoracic splanchnic nerves
Sensory input from the ureters travels to what spinal levels?
T11-L2
Referred pain from the ureters can be felt where?
Posterior lumbar/ flank region
OR
hypogastrium
How much urine can the bladder hold?
300-600ml
At what volume does the bladder need to be at to cause the sensation of needing to void?
400ml
What is the bladder enveloped in?
Extraperitoneal fat + connective tissue
What is the bladder separated from the pubic symphysis by?
Anterior premedical space (space of retzius)
What are the 4 surfaces of the bladder?
Superior surface
Two inferolateral surfaces
Posterior surface
What are the 4 areas of the bladder?
Apex
Body
Fundus
Neck
What is the trigone of the bladder?
A smooth triangular region situated in the fundus of the bladder
What form the trigone?
2 ureteral orifices and urethral orifice
What is the name of the muscle in the wall of the bladder?
Detrusor
When does the detrusor muscle contract?
During micturition
Who is the internal urethral sphincter present in?
Males