Micturition

Micturition is the process by which the urinary bladder is emptied of urine. This process is also commonly referred to as urination or voiding. The act of micturition is a complex process that involves both voluntary and involuntary muscle contractions.

Anatomy and Physiology

The urinary system is responsible for the production and elimination of urine. The main organs involved in this process are the kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra. The kidneys filter the blood to remove waste products and excess water, forming urine. The urine then travels down the ureters to the urinary bladder, where it is stored until micturition occurs.

The urinary bladder is a muscular sac that stores urine. It is lined with a layer of cells called the urothelium. The bladder can expand and contract to accommodate varying volumes of urine. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.

The process of micturition involves the coordination of the nervous system and the muscles of the urinary bladder and urethra. The detrusor muscle, which forms the wall of the bladder, and the internal and external urethral sphincters play key roles in this process.

Micturition Reflex

The micturition reflex is the involuntary response that results in the emptying of the bladder. When the volume of urine in the bladder reaches a certain level, stretch receptors in the bladder wall send signals to the brain. In response, the brain sends signals to the detrusor muscle to contract and to the internal urethral sphincter to relax. This results in the expulsion of urine from the bladder.

Disorders of Micturition

There are several disorders that can affect the process of micturition. These include urinary incontinence, urinary retention, and overactive bladder. These conditions can result from a variety of causes, including damage to the nerves that control bladder function, weakening of the muscles of the bladder and urethra, and certain medical conditions and medications.

Micturition Resources
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