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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...
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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...
Physiology of the Genitourinary System II: Tubular Reabsorption and Secretion01:22

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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...
Physiology of the Genitourinary System III: Urine Concentration and Dilution01:20

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The kidneys concentrate or dilute urine to maintain water and electrolyte balance. Nephrons, particularly the loop of Henle, play a crucial role in this process through the countercurrent multiplication system. This system establishes a high osmolarity in the renal medulla, which is essential for water reabsorption. In the loop of Henle’s descending limb, water is reabsorbed into the surrounding medulla due to its permeability to water. In contrast, the ascending limb actively transports...
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The pathophysiology of urinary tract infections (UTIs) encompasses several progressive stages, beginning with bacterial colonization and culminating in potential systemic complications if untreated. UTIs are primarily initiated by bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, which often originate from the gastrointestinal tract and migrate to the urinary system through the periurethral area. This migration can occur via several routes, including improper hygiene practices, sexual activity, or...

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Updated: May 18, 2026

Evaluation of Biomaterials for Bladder Augmentation using Cystometric Analyses in Various Rodent Models
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Bladder interstitial cells: an updated review of current knowledge.

K D McCloskey1

  • 1Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK. k.mccloskey@qub.ac.uk

Acta Physiologica (Oxford, England)
|October 5, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Interstitial cells (IC) in the bladder wall interact with nerves and muscles. While their specific roles in normal bladder function are unclear, altered IC distribution suggests a link to bladder dysfunction.

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Area of Science:

  • Urology
  • Cell Biology
  • Physiology

Background:

  • Interstitial cells (IC) are increasingly recognized as key players in bladder function.
  • These cells interact structurally with nerves and smooth muscle in the bladder wall.
  • Research has advanced in characterizing IC markers, ion channels, and signaling pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the current understanding of interstitial cells in normal bladder physiology.
  • To review the existing literature on interstitial cells in bladder dysfunction.
  • To highlight the potential role of IC in bladder pathophysiology.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on bladder interstitial cells.
  • Synthesis of current knowledge on IC markers, signaling, and distribution.
  • Analysis of evidence linking IC alterations to bladder dysfunction.

Main Results:

  • Interstitial cells are structurally integrated with bladder nerves and smooth muscle.
  • Despite progress in characterizing IC, their precise functions in normal bladder filling and emptying remain elusive.
  • Evidence suggests altered IC distribution in bladder pathologies.

Conclusions:

  • Interstitial cells are crucial components of bladder physiology.
  • Changes in interstitial cell distribution are associated with bladder dysfunction.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the functional roles of IC in bladder health and disease.