Bladder

Position of the urinary bladder 1

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Urinary bladder

2605 The Bladder

Bladder is a muscular sac in the pelvis, just above and behind the pubic bone. When empty, the bladder is about the size and shape of a pear. Urine is made in the kidneys and travels down two tubes called ureters to the bladder. The bladder stores urine, allowing urination to be infrequent and controlled.

Anatomy

The bladder is a part of the urinary system, which also includes the kidneys, ureters, and urethra. The bladder wall has several layers: the innermost layer, the mucosa, is made of transitional epithelium and a thin layer of connective tissue. Outside this is a thick muscular layer known as the detrusor muscle, which contracts to expel urine. The outermost layer is a layer of fat that separates the bladder from other organs.

Function

The primary function of the bladder is to store and expel urine in a controlled manner. It has two main roles:

• Storage: The bladder can expand significantly without increasing internal pressure, thanks to its muscular and elastic walls. This allows it to store urine until a convenient time for its expulsion.
• Voiding: When the bladder reaches its storage limit, nerve signals are sent to the brain, triggering the desire to urinate. During urination, the bladder muscles contract, forcing urine out of the bladder and into the urethra. At the same time, sphincter muscles surrounding the urethra relax, allowing urine to exit the body.

Common Conditions

Several conditions can affect the bladder, including:

• Urinary tract infection (UTI): An infection in any part of the urinary system, the bladder infection is known as cystitis.
• Bladder cancer: A type of cancer that begins in the cells of the bladder.
• Interstitial cystitis: Also known as painful bladder syndrome, a condition causing bladder pressure, bladder pain, and sometimes pelvic pain.
• Overactive bladder: A condition characterized by frequent urination, urinary urgency, and, in some cases, urinary incontinence.
• Urinary incontinence: The involuntary leakage of urine; it's not a disease, but a symptom of various conditions.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of bladder conditions may involve a variety of tests, including urinalysis, ultrasound, cystoscopy, and urodynamics. Treatment depends on the specific condition but may include medication, surgery, lifestyle changes, or a combination of these.

Prevention

Preventive measures for bladder health include staying hydrated, limiting irritants such as caffeine and alcohol, practicing pelvic floor exercises, and urinating regularly. Avoiding smoking is also crucial, as tobacco use is a significant risk factor for bladder cancer.

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