Chapter 1
The kidneys as filtration masterminds
Chapter 2
Storage and transit in the bladder
Chapter 3
The differences in exit pathways
Chapter 4
The brain and bladder conversation
Ch 2 · Storage and transit in the bladder
renaissanceman The urinary bladder is a highly elastic muscular organ designed to store urine safely.
Quiz
What type of unique tissue allows the bladder to stretch and expand without tearing?
BETA
renaissanceman Match the bladder's muscles to learn how they control the flow of urine.
Quiz
What is the name of the main expandable muscle that forms the wall of the urinary bladder?
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of the ureterovesical junction where the ureters meet the bladder?
Quiz
What shape does an empty urinary bladder resemble when it is completely deflated?
Quiz
Approximately how much urine can a healthy adult bladder comfortably hold before feeling a strong urge to empty?
renaissanceman The Urinary System
Umbrella cells stretch so wide—(stretch so wide!)—keeping all the liquid safe inside! (safe inside!)
Fun Fact
Bladder stretch: The bladder's lining contains transitional epithelium cells that can flatten out, allowing the bladder to expand to over four times its empty size.
Glossary
detrusor (noun)
A muscle that forms a layer of the wall of the bladder and contracts to expel urine. In 1890, Viennese physician Robert Ultzmann published electrical stimulation therapies to treat paralysis of this muscle.
A muscle that forms a layer of the wall of the bladder and contracts to expel urine. In 1890, Viennese physician Robert Ultzmann published electrical stimulation therapies to treat paralysis of this muscle.