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Related Concept Videos

Ureters01:22

Ureters

2.0K
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...
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Anatomy of the Genitourinary System I: Kidneys and Ureters01:11

Anatomy of the Genitourinary System I: Kidneys and Ureters

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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...
992
Imaging Studies V: Intravenous Urography and Retrograde Pyelography01:22

Imaging Studies V: Intravenous Urography and Retrograde Pyelography

2.5K
IntroductionIntravenous Urography (IVU) and Retrograde Pyelography (RP) are important diagnostic imaging techniques used to evaluate the urinary system. These methods help identify structural abnormalities, obstructions, and functional issues in the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. Both procedures use iodine-based contrast media to enhance the visibility of urinary tract structures on X-ray images, though they differ in their methods and indications.1. Intravenous Urography (IVU)Intravenous...
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Urinary Tract Calculi V: Nursing Management01:28

Urinary Tract Calculi V: Nursing Management

417
AssessmentSubjective Data: Obtain a detailed health history, including any recent or chronic urinary tract infections, periods of immobilization, previous episodes of renal calculi, and medical conditions such as gout, benign prostatic hyperplasia, or hyperparathyroidism. Review the medication history for drugs that may influence stone formation, including allopurinol, analgesics, loop diuretics, or thiazide diuretics. Document the use of long-term indwelling catheters and any past surgical...
417
Imaging Studies II: Ultrasonography01:24

Imaging Studies II: Ultrasonography

705
IntroductionUltrasonography, or renal ultrasound, is a noninvasive medical imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to visualize the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and surrounding tissues.Indications for Urinary System UltrasonographyUrinary system ultrasonography is indicated in various clinical scenarios, such as:Kidney Stones (Urolithiasis): To detect and monitor the size and presence of kidney or urinary tract stones.Hydronephrosis: To assess the dilation of the renal pelvis and...
705
Imaging Studies I: Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder Studies01:28

Imaging Studies I: Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder Studies

619
Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder (KUB) StudiesKidney, Ureter, and Bladder (KUB) studies are standard diagnostic imaging procedures used to assess the anatomy of the urinary system. They are commonly utilized for patients experiencing abdominal pain or urinary symptoms. By using a simple X-ray of the abdomen, KUB studies can reveal structural and pathological abnormalities within the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. These studies are particularly valuable in diagnosing kidney stones, urinary...
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Improved stone quality of life in patients with an obstructing ureteral stone on alpha-blocker medical expulsive therapy.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 26, 2026

Technical Modification of the Terminal Ureter During Total Transperitoneal Laparoscopic Nephroureterectomy for Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma
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Technical Modification of the Terminal Ureter During Total Transperitoneal Laparoscopic Nephroureterectomy for Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma

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Understanding the Ureter: Challenges and Opportunities.

Alyssa Park1, Ramakrishna Venkatesh1

  • 1Division of Urology, Washington University School of Medicine , Saint Louis, Missouri.

Journal of Endourology
|February 12, 2016
PubMed
Summary

Understanding the human ureter is crucial for treating kidney stones and stent discomfort. Research into alpha-blockers and ureteral stent effects is limited, highlighting the need for more mechanistic studies.

Area of Science:

  • Urology
  • Pharmacology
  • Physiology

Background:

  • The human ureter remains poorly understood, impacting treatment efficacy for conditions like kidney stones and ureteral stent complications.
  • The pathophysiologic basis for alpha-blocker use in improving ureteral stone passage and managing stent symptoms is not well-established.
  • Existing research often relies on in vitro or animal models, limiting direct applicability to human physiology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current observational and mechanistic studies on the human ureter.
  • To evaluate the effects of pharmacologic agents (e.g., alpha-blockers) and ureteral stents on ureteral function.
  • To identify knowledge gaps and suggest future research directions for understanding ureteral pathophysiology and improving patient care.

Main Methods:

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A Murine Model of Irreversible and Reversible Unilateral Ureteric Obstruction

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Technical Modification of the Terminal Ureter During Total Transperitoneal Laparoscopic Nephroureterectomy for Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma
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  • Review of existing literature on ureteral physiology and pathophysiology.
  • Analysis of observational and mechanistic studies concerning ureteral stone passage and stent-related symptoms.
  • Evaluation of pharmacological interventions and their impact on ureteral activity.

Main Results:

  • Clinical data on medical expulsive therapy for ureteral stones are often conflicting, partly due to a lack of mechanistic understanding.
  • In vivo methods for studying the human ureter are limited and challenging.
  • There is a scarcity of mechanistic studies focusing on the molecular mechanisms of human ureteral function.

Conclusions:

  • Further mechanistic research into human ureteral physiology is essential for developing effective treatments for kidney stones and ureteral stent-related issues.
  • A better understanding will aid in designing improved ureteral stents and optimizing pharmacological modulation of ureteral activity.
  • Addressing the current research limitations is critical for advancing patient care in urology.