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Related Concept Videos

Ureters01:22

Ureters

The ureters are retroperitoneal tubes located on either side of the vertebral column. They are responsible for transporting urine from each kidney to the urinary bladder. These tubes have thick walls and are approximately 25-30 cm long. Their diameter is around 10 mm at the renal pelvis, gradually narrowing to 1 mm as the ureter obliquely enters the posterior bladder wall through the ureteric orifices. The shape of these orifices is slit-like, which helps to prevent urine backflow toward the...
Urinary Bladder01:23

Urinary Bladder

The urinary bladder is a hollow, muscular sac that temporarily stores urine before it is expelled from the body. It can hold approximately 600 mL of urine prior to micturition. The bladder is retroperitoneal and located behind the pubic symphysis in the pelvic floor.
In males, the bladder is situated in front of the rectum, while in females, it is positioned anterior to the vagina and uterus. The bladder floor contains an inverted triangular area called the trigone, defined by the two ureteric...
The Micturition Reflex01:26

The Micturition Reflex

Urination, or micturition involves the coordination of the bladder's detrusor muscle and two sphincters to ensure controlled bladder emptying.
The process begins with bladder filling, where the bladder wall stretches as urine accumulates. This stretching activates the urine storage reflex, mediated by the sacral spinal segments and the pontine storage center. Efferent sympathetic impulses stimulate the detrusor muscle to relax and the internal urethral sphincter to contract, facilitating urine...
Urethra01:16

Urethra

The urethra is a hollowed tubular organ through which urine is expelled from the body. This structure extends from the bladder to the external opening, allowing urine to be released.
The anatomy of the urethra differs between males and females. In females, the urethra is short, measuring about 3–4 cm in length, and opens anterior to the vaginal opening. In males, the urethra is longer and passes through the penis, serving dual purposes: expelling urine and ejaculating semen. The male urethra is...
Anatomy of the Genitourinary System II: Bladder and Urethra01:19

Anatomy of the Genitourinary System II: Bladder and Urethra

The lower urinary system consists of the urinary bladder and urethra, which are essential in storing and expelling urine from the body. Together with the internal and external sphincters, these structures work together to regulate urination effectively.Anatomy of the BladderThe urinary bladder is a muscular, stretchable organ behind the pubic bone and in front of the rectum. In females, the bladder is positioned anterior to the vagina and inferior to the uterus, while in males, it is located...
Urologic Endoscopic Procedure: Cystoscopic Examination01:28

Urologic Endoscopic Procedure: Cystoscopic Examination

Meaning of Cystoscopic Examination:Cystoscopy is an essential diagnostic tool in urology that is used to assess the structure and function of the genitourinary system. It provides a direct view of the urethra, bladder, and, in some cases, the ureteral openings. This procedure helps detect structural abnormalities, infections, cancers, and blockages in the urinary tract. There are two types of cystoscopy:Flexible cystoscopy is commonly performed in outpatient settings due to its less invasive...

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Measurement of Tactile Allodynia in a Murine Model of Bacterial Prostatitis
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The uroepithelial-associated sensory web.

G Apodaca1, E Balestreire, L A Birder

  • 1Laboratory of Epithelial Cell Biology, Renal-Electrolyte Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. gla6@pitt.edu

Kidney International
|August 2, 2007
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Summary

Epithelial cells sense environmental changes and communicate them to other tissues, forming a sensory web. This uroepithelial sensory web is crucial for coordinated bladder function, and its disruption can cause dysfunction.

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Area of Science:

  • Urothelial biology
  • Epithelial cell function
  • Sensory transduction

Background:

  • Epithelial cells sense and communicate environmental changes to underlying tissues.
  • This communication is vital for tube- and sac-shaped organs like blood vessels, lungs, gut, and bladder.
  • The uroepithelium lining the urinary tract is proposed to be part of a 'sensory web'.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To propose the uroepithelium functions as an integral part of a sensory web.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms of sensory input and output within the uroepithelium.
  • To understand the role of this sensory web in bladder function and dysfunction.

Main Methods:

  • The study proposes a model of uroepithelial sensory function.
  • It identifies sensory inputs like hydrostatic pressure and adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
  • It describes sensory outputs including neurotransmitters and other mediators.

Main Results:

  • Uroepithelial-associated channels and receptors receive sensory inputs.
  • Input signals stimulate membrane turnover and mediator release from umbrella cells.
  • These outputs communicate environmental changes to underlying tissues, altering function.

Conclusions:

  • The uroepithelium acts as a sensory web, integrating environmental cues.
  • This web facilitates coordinated bladder function during filling and voiding.
  • Disruption of the uroepithelial sensory web likely leads to bladder dysfunction.