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 4 · The brain and bladder conversation
renaissanceman A specialized region in the brainstem coordinates the conscious decision to urinate.
Quiz
At what bladder volume do the stretch receptors typically start sending the first mild signals to the brain?
Quiz
What hormone, also known as vasopressin, tells the kidneys to reabsorb more water?
Quiz
Why does drinking caffeine or alcohol make you need to urinate more frequently?
BETA
renaissanceman Sort waste from vital nutrients to learn how kidneys filter and refine your blood.
Quiz
What is the scientific term for the process of urinating or emptying the bladder?
Quiz
Which part of the brainstem coordinates the signals to either hold or release urine?
Quiz
Which nerves carry the stretch sensations from the bladder wall to the lower spinal cord?
Quiz
How does the sympathetic nervous system react to the bladder during a fight or flight stress response?
Fun Fact
Sleep signals: During sleep, your brain releases more anti-diuretic hormone to concentrate your urine so you do not have to wake up.
Glossary
micturition (noun)
The act or process of discharging urine from the bladder. British physiologist F.J.F. Barrington identified the brainstem nucleus regulating this neural pathway in 1921.
The act or process of discharging urine from the bladder. British physiologist F.J.F. Barrington identified the brainstem nucleus regulating this neural pathway in 1921.