Ureters

Ureters are tubes that are part of the urinary system in the human body. They are responsible for carrying urine from the kidneys to the urinary bladder. Each person has two ureters, one for each kidney. The ureters are about 10-12 inches long and are lined with smooth muscle that contracts to force urine downward.

Anatomy

The ureters are long, narrow tubes that are located on each side of the body. They start at the renal pelvis in the kidney and end at the urinary bladder. The ureters are made up of several layers of tissue, including an inner lining of mucous membrane, a middle layer of smooth muscle, and an outer layer of fibrous tissue.

Function

The primary function of the ureters is to transport urine from the kidneys to the urinary bladder. This is accomplished through a process called peristalsis, which is the same process that moves food through the digestive tract. The smooth muscle in the walls of the ureters contracts and relaxes in a wave-like motion to push the urine down the tubes.

Clinical significance

Problems with the ureters can lead to serious health issues. For example, ureteral obstruction can occur if a stone forms in the kidney and gets stuck in the ureter. This can cause severe pain and can lead to kidney damage if not treated. Other conditions that can affect the ureters include ureteral cancer and ureteral stricture, which is a narrowing of the ureter.

See also

• Kidney
• Urinary bladder
• Urinary system
• Ureteral obstruction
• Ureteral cancer
• Ureteral stricture

Ureters Resources
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