Ureters

Definition

The ureters are a pair of muscular tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder. They are responsible for transporting urine from the kidneys to the bladder for storage and eventual elimination from the body.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The ureters are approximately 10-12 inches long and 0.12-0.24 inches in diameter.
2. Peristaltic contractions of the ureteral smooth muscle propel urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
3. The ureters enter the bladder at an oblique angle, creating a one-way valve that prevents urine backflow.
4. Ureteral obstructions can lead to hydronephrosis, a condition where urine accumulates in the kidneys.
5. Ureters are susceptible to infections, stones, and tumors, which can impair urine flow and cause severe pain.

Review Questions

• Explain the role of the ureters in the urinary system and how they connect the kidneys to the bladder.
  • The ureters are a critical component of the urinary system, responsible for transporting urine from the kidneys to the bladder. They act as conduits, receiving urine from the renal pelvis of the kidneys and propelling it through peristaltic contractions of the ureteral smooth muscle into the bladder for storage and eventual elimination. The ureters enter the bladder at an oblique angle, creating a one-way valve that prevents backflow of urine, ensuring the unidirectional flow of urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
• Describe the potential complications that can arise from ureteral obstructions and the impact on kidney function.
  • Obstructions in the ureters can lead to a condition called hydronephrosis, where urine accumulates in the kidneys. This increased pressure can impair kidney function and cause damage to the renal tissue over time. Ureteral obstructions can be caused by various factors, such as kidney stones, tumors, or scarring, and can result in severe pain, infection, and potentially permanent kidney damage if left untreated. Prompt diagnosis and management of ureteral obstructions are crucial to preserve normal kidney function and prevent long-term complications.
• Analyze the role of ureters in the context of urinary anti-infective medications and the importance of maintaining ureteral patency.
  • The ureters play a critical role in the context of urinary anti-infective medications, as they provide the conduit for these drugs to reach the bladder and effectively treat urinary tract infections (UTIs). However, if the ureters are obstructed or compromised, the delivery of these medications to the site of infection may be impaired, potentially leading to treatment failure and the development of antibiotic resistance. Additionally, infections within the ureters themselves, such as pyelonephritis, can also occur and require targeted antimicrobial therapy. Maintaining the patency and proper functioning of the ureters is, therefore, essential for the effective management of urinary tract infections and the prevention of complications associated with ureteral obstruction or infection.

Related terms

Renal Pelvis: The funnel-shaped part of the ureter located within the kidney that collects urine from the renal calyces.

Urethra: The tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body during urination.

Urinary Bladder: The hollow, muscular organ that stores urine before it is eliminated from the body.