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Related Concept Videos

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...
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...
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...
Introduction to Urinary System01:13

Introduction to Urinary System

The urinary system consists of two kidneys, two ureters, the urinary bladder, and the urethra.
The kidneys are bean-shaped organs located in the retroperitoneal space, on either side of the vertebral column, between the T12 and L3 vertebrae. They are partially protected by the rib cage and surrounded by perirenal fat, which provides cushioning. They are responsible for urine formation and play critical roles in regulating blood pressure, electrolyte levels, and hormone production. The ureters...
Anatomy of the Genitourinary System I: Kidneys and Ureters01:11

Anatomy of the Genitourinary System I: Kidneys and Ureters

The upper urinary system comprises two kidneys and two ureters, which are crucial in filtering blood and forming urine.KidneysLocation and Structure:The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs positioned behind the peritoneum on either side of the spine.Kidneys are between the 12th thoracic (T12) and the 3rd lumbar (L3) vertebrae.The position of the liver causes the right kidney to sit slightly lower than the left.Protective Layers:Each kidney is enveloped in a tough, fibrous membrane called the...
Physiology of the Genitourinary System II: Tubular Reabsorption and Secretion01:22

Physiology of the Genitourinary System II: Tubular Reabsorption and Secretion

The kidneys maintain homeostasis through filtration, reabsorption, and secretion. Tubular reabsorption and secretion are crucial in forming urine and regulating electrolytes, water balance, and waste elimination.Tubular Reabsorption and Secretion ProcessesTubular reabsorption is the process that reclaims essential substances such as electrolytes, glucose, amino acids, and water from the glomerular filtrate back into the bloodstream. This is achieved through passive and active transport...

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Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Expression of Transgenes in Native Bladder Urothelium Using Adenovirus-Mediated Transduction
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Interstitial cells in the urinary bladder--localization and function.

Karen D McCloskey1

  • 1School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Medical Biology Centre, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK. k.mccloskey@qub.ac.uk

Neurourology and Urodynamics
|December 22, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) are found in the urinary bladder wall, playing a key role in bladder activity modulation. Their presence and function are increasingly recognized in bladder physiology and pathophysiology.

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A Decentralized (Ex Vivo) Murine Bladder Model with the Detrusor Muscle Removed for Direct Access to the Suburothelium during Bladder Filling
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Area of Science:

  • Urology
  • Cell Biology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) are a novel cell group within the urinary bladder.
  • Their localization and functions are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the literature on the localization and proposed functions of bladder interstitial cells.
  • To consolidate current knowledge on interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) in the urinary bladder.

Main Methods:

  • Literature search of PubMed using keywords: bladder, c-Kit, ICC, interstitial cell, myofibroblast.
  • Review of studies identifying and characterizing bladder ICC populations.

Main Results:

  • Multiple ICC subpopulations exist in the mammalian urinary bladder wall (lamina propria and detrusor).
  • Bladder ICC are identified via electron microscopy or c-Kit immunohistochemistry.
  • ICC exhibit spontaneous electrical activity, Ca2+-signaling, and neurotransmitter responses, associating with nerves and smooth muscle.

Conclusions:

  • Specialized ICC are confirmed in the urinary bladder.
  • Bladder ICC are integral to bladder wall function and modulate bladder activity.
  • ICC expression may be upregulated in conditions like overactive bladder.