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Related Concept Videos

Anatomy of the Genitourinary System II: Bladder and Urethra01:19

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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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Urination, or micturition involves the coordination of the bladder's detrusor muscle and two sphincters to ensure controlled bladder emptying.
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Disorders of the Urinary System01:20

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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.
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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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Microbiota of the Urogenital Tract01:28

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The human urogenital system, once thought to be sterile in healthy individuals, is now recognized as a complex microbial habitat. Advancements in molecular sequencing techniques have revealed that even in healthy adults, the kidneys and bladder harbor microbial populations similar to those found in the distal urethra, albeit in much lower abundance. These resident microorganisms, while generally innocuous, can become opportunistic pathogens under conditions that alter the urogenital...
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Physiology of Urine Formation01:24

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Urine formation is an essential function of the human body. It plays a critical role in maintaining homeostasis by regulating the volume and composition of body fluids. The kidneys, the primary organs involved in this process, filter blood to remove waste products and excess substances, ultimately producing urine.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 2, 2026

Detrusor Underactivity Model in Rats by Conus Medullaris Transection
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Neural mechanisms underlying lower urinary tract dysfunction.

Naoki Yoshimura1, Teruyuki Ogawa1, Minoru Miyazato1

  • 1Department of Urology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.

Korean Journal of Urology
|March 1, 2014
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Understanding the neural control of the lower urinary tract is key to treating dysfunction. This review details the brain and spinal cord circuits and neurotransmitters involved in bladder control and voiding.

Keywords:
Detrusor overactivityLower urinary tractNerve growth factorOveractive urinary bladder

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Urology

Background:

  • The lower urinary tract's function relies on complex muscle activity and neural regulation.
  • Dysfunction can arise from nervous system or peripheral organ issues, causing storage and voiding symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To synthesize findings from anatomical, neurophysiological, and pharmacological studies.
  • To elucidate the neural circuitry and neurotransmitter mechanisms governing the lower urinary tract.
  • To understand alterations in these mechanisms contributing to lower urinary tract dysfunction.

Main Methods:

  • Review of anatomical, neurophysiological, and pharmacological studies.
  • Analysis of human and animal research data.
  • Integration of findings on neural control and dysfunction.

Main Results:

  • Detailed description of the neural control of urine storage and voiding.
  • Identification of key neurotransmitters (cholinergic, purinergic, nitrergic) and neural centers (pontine micturition center).
  • Explanation of how nervous system injuries or peripheral organ disorders lead to lower urinary tract symptoms.

Conclusions:

  • The lower urinary tract's function is intricately controlled by central and peripheral neural systems.
  • Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for diagnosing and treating lower urinary tract dysfunction and associated symptoms.
  • Neuroplasticity plays a significant role in the pathological changes observed in lower urinary tract function.