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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...

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...

External Female Genitals

External Female Genitals

The vulva encompasses the external structures of the female reproductive system. At the forefront is the monpubis, a cushion of fatty tissue atop the pubic bone. Once puberty sets in, this area typically grows hair. Extending from just behind the mons pubis are the labia majora (labia = 'lips'; majora = 'larger'), which are larger skin fs olds coated with hair. Nestled within are the labia minora (labia = 'lips'; minora = 'smaller'), which are thinner, more...

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...

Introduction to Urinary System

Introduction to Urinary System

The urinary system consists of two kidneys, two ureters, the urinary bladder, and the urethra.
The kidneys are bean-shaped organs located in the retroperitoneal space, on either side of the vertebral column, between the T12 and L3 vertebrae. They are partially protected by the rib cage and surrounded by perirenal fat, which provides cushioning. They are responsible for urine formation and play critical roles in regulating blood pressure, electrolyte levels, and hormone production. The ureters...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 11, 2025

Ultrasonography of the Adult Male Urinary Tract for Urinary Functional Testing

Ultrasonography of the Adult Male Urinary Tract for Urinary Functional Testing

Published on: August 14, 2019

The female urethra: urethral function throughout a woman's lifetime.

Hans van Geelen¹, Peter K Sand²

¹, Oss, The Netherlands. hvgeelen@xs4all.nl.

International Urogynecology Journal

|February 9, 2023

Summary

Aging and childbirth significantly impact female urethral function, often leading to urinary incontinence. Hormonal changes and menopause play a lesser role in these pelvic floor disorders.

Keywords:

Aging Childbirth Female hormones Pregnancy Urethral function Woman’s lifetime

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Last Updated: Aug 11, 2025

Ultrasonography of the Adult Male Urinary Tract for Urinary Functional Testing

Ultrasonography of the Adult Male Urinary Tract for Urinary Functional Testing

Published on: August 14, 2019

Real-Time Void Spot Assay

Real-Time Void Spot Assay

Published on: February 10, 2023

Urinary Tract Infection in a Small Animal Model: Transurethral Catheterization of Male and Female Mice

Urinary Tract Infection in a Small Animal Model: Transurethral Catheterization of Male and Female Mice

Published on: December 1, 2017

Area of Science:

Urology
Gynecology
Gerontology

Background:

Urethral function changes throughout a woman's life.
Pelvic floor disorders, including urinary incontinence, are common.
Understanding these changes is crucial for women's health.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the lifetime changes in female urethral function.
To analyze the impact of aging, childbirth, and hormonal factors on urethral sphincteric mechanisms.

Main Methods:

Comprehensive literature search (1960-2020) in MEDLINE, PubMed, and journals.
Review of epidemiological surveys, histological studies, and urodynamic data.
Analysis of objective data on urethral function across different life stages.

Main Results:

Aging and genetic factors are primary causes of urinary incontinence.
Vaginal childbirth negatively affects urethral sphincter function.
Pregnancy, hormonal shifts, and menopause have secondary influences.

Conclusions:

Senescence and childbirth are key etiological factors for pelvic floor dysfunction.
Urodynamic and histological changes are linked to aging and delivery.
Estrogen decline may contribute to cellular senescence in urethral tissues.