Urinary Anatomy - Ureters and Urinary Bladder Flashcards
How are the ureters peritonised?
Retroperitoneal
What is the function of the ureters?
Distensible muscular tube that connects the kidney with the bladder, with the proximal portion in the abdominal cavity and the distal portion in the pelvic cavity
What is the organisation of structure entering the kidney hilum?
VAP (front to back) so renal pelvis most posterior
Describe the pathway of each ureter
Commences as renal pelvis and descends along the pasta major muscle. It crosses anterior to the bifurcation of the common iliac artery, courses along the lateral wall of the pelvis and turn medial to reach the bladder.
What two structures cross the ureter superiorly?
In male –> vas deferens
In female –> ovarian artery
What are the three constrictions in the ureters where calculi (stones) may lodge?
- Origin (renal pelvis)
- Pelvic brim
- Vesico-ureteric junction
Which part of the bladder do the ureters enter?
Trigone (its upper, outer corners) - like rest of bladder, this has smooth muscle
From which part of the bladder does the urethra exit?
Neck
What structure ascends from the apex of the urinary bladder?
The median umbilical ligament
Embryologically what is the median umbilical ligament a remnant of?
Urachus
What type of tissue forms the walls of the urinary bladdeR?
Specialised smooth muscle; detrusor muscle
What is the bony joint immediately anterior to the urinary bladder?
Pubic symphysis
What symptoms might be experienced with an enlarged bladder?
Urinary incontinence
Describe the peritoneal relations of the urinary bladder?
Parietal peritoneum from the inferior part of the anterior abdominal wall drapes over the superior surface surface of bladder and dips down behind the posterior surface to form peritoneal pouches
What type of epithelium line the urinary bladder and ureter?
Stratified transitional epithelium
What is the advantage of having transitional epithelium line the urinary bladder?
Allows expansion when bladder is full -> when stretched it remains thick to prevent toxins from getting in
What is the urethra?
Tube that arises from the inferior part of the bladder and carries urine from the bladder to the exterior
What pathology can a CT KUB be used to visualise?
Ureteric calculus
What pathology can a MRI renal be used to visualise?
Renal cyst
