Ureter

Definition

The ureter is a muscular tube that transports urine from the kidneys to the bladder. This structure is vital for the urinary system, ensuring that waste products filtered by the kidneys are properly delivered for storage before elimination. The ureters play an important role in maintaining fluid balance and excretion in the body.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Each person has two ureters, one for each kidney, and they are approximately 10-12 inches long.
2. The ureters are lined with a mucous membrane and have a muscular layer that helps propel urine through peristalsis.
3. Ureters enter the bladder at an angle which helps prevent the backflow of urine when the bladder fills.
4. Kidney stones can block the ureters, leading to pain and potential urinary complications if not treated.
5. The ureters have a role in regulating urine flow, adapting to changes in kidney output by adjusting their contractions.

Review Questions

• How do the structural features of the ureter facilitate its function in urine transport?
  • The ureter's muscular walls allow for peristaltic contractions, which effectively move urine from the kidneys to the bladder. Its lining contains a mucous membrane that provides lubrication and protects against potential irritation from the passing urine. The angle at which the ureters enter the bladder also plays a critical role in preventing backflow, ensuring that urine only travels in one direction.
• What might happen if a ureter becomes obstructed, and how would this impact kidney function?
  • An obstruction in a ureter can lead to a buildup of urine in the affected kidney, causing hydronephrosis, which may result in kidney damage if not resolved. This situation increases pressure within the kidney, potentially impairing its ability to filter blood effectively. If left untreated, it can lead to infection and serious complications, highlighting the importance of unobstructed urine flow for proper kidney function.
• Evaluate the relationship between the structure of the ureter and its importance in maintaining homeostasis in the urinary system.
  • The structure of the ureter is crucial for maintaining homeostasis as it ensures effective transport of urine from the kidneys to the bladder. By facilitating proper urine flow and preventing backflow, it plays a vital role in waste elimination and fluid balance. Any dysfunction within this pathway can disrupt urinary excretion processes, leading to accumulation of waste products in the body, which can significantly affect overall health and homeostasis.

Related terms

kidneys: Organs that filter blood to produce urine, removing waste and regulating water, electrolyte balance, and blood pressure.

bladder: A hollow organ that stores urine until it is expelled from the body during urination.

nephrons:

The functional units of the kidneys responsible for filtering blood and forming urine.