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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...
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...
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...
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...
Muscles of the Pelvic Floor and Perineum01:26

Muscles of the Pelvic Floor and Perineum

The muscles of the pelvic floor and perineum are crucial for supporting the pelvic organs, controlling continence, and aiding in sexual function, childbirth, and core stability. They are typically divided into the superficial perineal layer and the deep pelvic floor layer.
Perineal Layer
The perineum is a diamond-shaped area below the pelvic diaphragm, divided into an anterior urogenital triangle that contains the external genitals and a posterior anal triangle housing the anus. The urogenital...
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...

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Is the pelviureteric junction an anatomical entity?

Mark D Stringer1, Shahed Yassaie

  • 1Department of Anatomy, Otago School of Medical Sciences, University of Otago, PO Box 913, Dunedin, New Zealand. mark.stringer@anatomy.otago.ac.nz

Journal of Pediatric Urology
|September 20, 2011
PubMed
Summary

The human pelviureteric junction lacks a clear anatomical definition, with most individuals showing a gradual transition rather than a distinct structure. While a functional region exists, a discrete anatomical junction is not supported by current evidence.

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Area of Science:

  • Urology
  • Anatomy
  • Physiology

Background:

  • The pelviureteric junction (PUJ) has been a recognized clinical concept for over a century.
  • Despite its long-standing recognition, a precise anatomical definition of the human PUJ remains elusive.
  • This ambiguity necessitates a thorough investigation into the anatomical and physiological characteristics of this region.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review the existing literature on the gross and microscopic anatomy of the human pelviureteric junction.
  • To determine whether the pelviureteric junction constitutes a discrete anatomical entity in humans.
  • To evaluate the anatomical basis for the physiological concept of the pelviureteric junction.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive systematic literature review was conducted.
  • Searches were performed across major electronic databases: MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar.
  • The review focused on studies detailing the normal gross and microscopic anatomy of the pelviureteric junction.

Main Results:

  • Externally, most individuals exhibit a gradual transition between the renal pelvis and ureter, without distinct junctional features.
  • Internally, prominent luminal mucosal folds are observed in the pelviureteric region.
  • There is no consistent anatomical consensus regarding muscle fiber arrangement or specialized innervation at the PUJ, though some evidence suggests a high-pressure zone.

Conclusions:

  • While a distinct anatomical pelviureteric junction is not definitively established, evidence supports the delineation of a functional pelviureteric region.
  • The pelviureteric junction, though a useful clinical concept, lacks a sound anatomical basis as a discrete entity.
  • Further research may be needed to fully elucidate the anatomical and physiological nuances of the pelviureteric region.