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Updated: Jul 21, 2026
06:36
A Decentralized (Ex Vivo) Murine Bladder Model with the Detrusor Muscle Removed for Direct Access to the Suburothelium during Bladder Filling
Published on: November 28, 2019
Urinary incontinence: anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology.
1National Maternity Hospital, Dublin 2, Ireland.
Summary
Female urinary continence relies on bladder storage and sphincter function, with disruptions often caused by childbirth or menopause. Understanding lower urinary tract anatomy and physiology is key to developing effective treatments for incontinence.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Gynecology
- Female Pelvic Medicine
Background:
- Female urinary continence depends on bladder storage and sphincter function, coordinated by complex neural control.
- Incontinence arises from storage failure (detrusor instability) or sphincter mechanism failure (stress incontinence).
- Childbirth and menopause are significant factors compromising continence due to pelvic floor damage and estrogen deprivation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the anatomy and physiology of the female lower urinary tract.
- To understand the mechanisms of urinary incontinence in women.
- To emphasize the importance of disease mechanism understanding for rational treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of normal anatomy and physiology of the lower urinary tract.
- Analysis of factors affecting urinary continence.
- Discussion of disease mechanisms leading to incontinence.
Main Results:
- Incontinence results from impaired bladder storage or sphincter function.
- Childbirth can cause neuromuscular damage to the pelvic floor, leading to incontinence.
- Menopause exacerbates bladder dysfunction through estrogen deprivation and increased UTI risk.
Conclusions:
- Restoration of continence requires a comprehensive understanding of lower urinary tract function.
- Knowledge of disease mechanisms is essential for applying rational and effective treatments for female urinary incontinence.
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