Urinary bladder
(Redirected from Vesica urinaria)
The urinary bladder is a hollow, muscular organ that collects and stores urine produced by the kidneys before its eventual excretion. Located in the pelvis, just posterior to the pubic bone, the bladder plays a central role in the body's urinary system.
Anatomy[edit | edit source]
The bladder's anatomy allows it to store and expel urine:
- Mucosa: The innermost layer, lined with transitional epithelium that can stretch as the bladder fills.
- Muscularis: A layer of smooth muscle known as the detrusor muscle, which contracts to expel urine.
- Adventitia: The outermost layer, made of connective tissue.
The bladder's shape is akin to an inverted pyramid, with its apex pointing forward and downward.
Function[edit | edit source]
The primary function of the urinary bladder is to store urine until a person decides to void:
- Storage: The bladder can typically hold about 400-600 ml of urine.
- Voiding: Through a process called micturition, where the detrusor muscle contracts and the internal urethral sphincter relaxes, allowing urine to flow into the urethra.
Physiology[edit | edit source]
The filling and emptying of the bladder are regulated by a complex interplay of the:
- Central Nervous System: The brain recognizes bladder distension and can control the timing of micturition.
- Autonomic Nervous System: Especially the parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions, which control involuntary bladder contractions and relaxation of the sphincters.
- Somatic Nervous System: Helps control the external urethral sphincter, providing voluntary control over voiding.
Disorders[edit | edit source]
Various disorders can affect the urinary bladder:
- Cystitis: Inflammation of the bladder, commonly caused by urinary tract infections.
- Bladder stones: Hard masses of minerals in the bladder.
- Bladder cancer: Malignant growth in the bladder's lining.
- Overactive bladder: A condition characterized by frequent and sudden urges to urinate.
- Interstitial Cystitis: A chronic condition causing bladder pain and frequent urination.
Diagnosis and Treatment[edit | edit source]
Diagnosis of bladder conditions often involves:
- Urinalysis: Examination of urine for signs of infection, blood, or cancer cells.
- Cystoscopy: Using a thin camera to inspect the inside of the bladder.
- Imaging: Like Ultrasound or CT scans to visualize the bladder and surrounding organs.
Treatment depends on the specific condition:
- Antibiotics: For infections.
- Surgery: To remove tumors or stones.
- Bladder training: For overactive bladder, teaching individuals to resist the urge to void and gradually increase the intervals between emptying the bladder.
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD