Lower urinary tract pharmacology. I. Anatomic considerations

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Neuropharmacology
• Anatomy

Background:

• Foundational knowledge of lower urinary tract anatomy and neurophysiology is essential for understanding uropharmacology.
• Continence and voiding are complex functions regulated by intricate neural pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of the functional anatomy of the lower urinary tract.
• To elucidate the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying continence and voiding.
• To establish a basis for subsequent discussions on uropharmacology and drug classes.

Main Methods:

• Review of functional anatomy of the lower urinary tract.
• Description of somatic and autonomic reflex differences.
• Analysis of lower urinary tract innervation (afferent and efferent).
• Examination of pelvic ganglionic cell organization.
• Discussion of spinal and supraspinal control mechanisms.

Main Results:

• Detailed description of lower urinary tract functional anatomy.
• Explanation of continence and voiding mechanisms.
• Elucidation of neural control pathways, including somatic/autonomic reflexes and innervation.
• Overview of central and peripheral nervous system control.

Conclusions:

• Understanding lower urinary tract anatomy and neurophysiology is critical for uropharmacology.
• Neural control mechanisms are key to continence and voiding functions.
• This foundational review sets the stage for exploring uropharmacological agents.