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Ureters

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 Ureters

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...

Urethra

Urethra

The urethra is a hollowed tubular organ through which urine is expelled from the body. This structure extends from the bladder to the external opening, allowing urine to be released.
The anatomy of the urethra differs between males and females. In females, the urethra is short, measuring about 3–4 cm in length, and opens anterior to the vaginal opening. In males, the urethra is longer and passes through the penis, serving dual purposes: expelling urine and ejaculating semen. The male...

Anatomy of the Genitourinary System II: Bladder and Urethra

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...

External Anatomy of the Kidney

External Anatomy of the Kidney

The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs in the human body that play a critical role in maintaining overall health. They filter out waste products from the blood, regulate blood pressure, maintain electrolyte balance, and stimulate the production of red blood cells.
The kidneys are located in the retroperitoneal space on either side of the vertebral column, protected posteriorly by the 11th and 12th ribs. The right kidney sits slightly lower than the left owing to the presence of the liver...

Internal Anatomy of the Kidney

Internal Anatomy of the Kidney

The kidneys are essential organs in the human body, performing a myriad of tasks that maintain homeostasis and overall health.
Anatomical Position and Dimensions
The kidneys are retroperitoneal organs positioned against the posterior abdominal wall on either side of the spine, roughly between the twelfth thoracic and third lumbar vertebrae. Each kidney is typically 10-12 cm long, 5-6 cm wide, and 3-4 cm thick, weighing about 150 grams.
Renal Cortex
The outermost region of the kidney is the...

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Author Spotlight: Developing a Bedside Protocol for Kidney and Genitourinary Ultrasonography

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Does Side Make a Difference? Anatomical Differences Between the Left and Right Ureter.

Stephen E Odegard¹, Melinda G Abernethy, Elizabeth R Mueller

¹From the *Departments of Obstetrics/Gynecology and Urology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood; and †Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL.

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Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

The left ureter is anatomically positioned more laterally and anteriorly than the right ureter. These subtle anatomical differences may explain the higher incidence of iatrogenic ureteral injuries on the left side.

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Area of Science:

Urology
Anatomy
Surgical Safety

Background:

Iatrogenic ureteral injuries disproportionately affect the left ureter (70-80% of cases).
Potential anatomical variations between left and right ureters may underlie this observed discrepancy.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate anatomical differences between the left and right ureters.
To identify factors contributing to the higher rate of left ureteral injuries.

Main Methods:

Retrospective review of 95 computed tomography urograms in women.
Measurement of ureteral distance from midline at sacral (S1) and cervical levels.
Assessment of cervical deviation and inter-ureteral distances.

Main Results:

The left ureter was found to be 2-4 mm more lateral than the right at S1 and the cervix.
The left ureter was also 1.9 mm more anterior at the cervix.
Cervical deviation to the left (2.9 mm) resulted in symmetrical ureteral positioning relative to the cervix.

Conclusions:

The left ureter exhibits a more lateral and anterior course compared to the right.
These minor anatomical variations (2-4 mm) align with the width of surgical clamps.
Such differences may contribute to the increased risk of left ureteral injury during surgical procedures.