Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2026
06:05
Assessing Urinary Tract Junction Obstruction Defects by Methylene Blue Dye Injection
Published on: October 12, 2017
Do neural tube defects lead to structural alterations in the human bladder?
Helena M F Pazos1, Márcio Luiz de P Lobo, Waldemar S Costa
1Urogenital Research Unit, State University from Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Histology and Histopathology
|March 25, 2011
Summary
Anencephaly, a severe neural tube defect, causes significant bladder structural changes in fetuses. Anencephalic fetuses show increased collagen and decreased smooth muscle in bladders, suggesting functional alterations.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Fetal Pathology
- Histology
Background:
- Anencephaly is a severe congenital condition affecting neural tube development.
- Understanding structural anomalies in anencephalic fetuses is crucial for comprehending developmental defects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and analyze the bladder's histological structure in anencephalic human fetuses.
- To compare bladder composition in anencephalic versus normal human fetuses.
Main Methods:
- Histological and stereological analysis of 40 normal and 12 anencephalic fetal bladders.
- Quantification of collagen, elastic fibers, and smooth muscle using volumetric density (Vv-%).
- Biochemical analysis of total collagen concentration.
Main Results:
- Anencephalic fetal bladders showed significantly increased collagen Vv (69.71% vs. 52.74%) and decreased smooth muscle Vv (23.96% vs. 38.35%).
- Higher total collagen concentration was observed in anencephalic bladders compared to normal controls.
- Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences (p<0.0001 for Vv, p<0.02 for collagen concentration).
Conclusions:
- Significant structural differences in bladder composition exist between anencephalic and normal human fetuses.
- Increased collagen and reduced smooth muscle in anencephalic bladders may indicate altered bladder function.
- These findings contribute to understanding the impact of anencephaly on fetal organ development.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Neurulation
Neurulation is the embryological process which forms the precursors of the central nervous system and occurs after gastrulation has established the three primary cell layers of the embryo: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. In humans, the majority of this system is formed via primary neurulation, in which the central portion of the ectoderm—originally appearing as a flat sheet of cells—folds upwards and inwards, sealing off to form a hollow neural tube. As development proceeds, the anterior...
01:23Urinary 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...
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...
01:07Teratogenicity
The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...
01:20Disorders of the Urinary System
The urinary system is responsible for eliminating waste and excess fluids from the body. However, disorders of the urinary system can arise due to various reasons like infections, stress, age, congenital abnormalities, and lifestyle.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common urinary system disorders. They are caused by bacteria that enter the urethra and can spread to the bladder resulting in cystitis. Pyelonephritis is the result of a UTI that has ascended to the level of the...
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common urinary system disorders. They are caused by bacteria that enter the urethra and can spread to the bladder resulting in cystitis. Pyelonephritis is the result of a UTI that has ascended to the level of the...
01:19Anatomy 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...
01:22Ureters
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...