Ureter Structure

The urinary tract system (Keep Your Bladder Health) comprises of organs that are responsible for production and excretion of nitrogenous waste products that are produced by the body as a result of biological and metabolic processes. The urinary system is composed of:

• Kidneys –  On either side of the posterior abdominal wall (in the lumbar quadrant of abdomen)

• A Muscular Bag – Urinary bladder (Bladder Voiding Dysfunction) that is responsible for storing the urine. Urinary bladder is a pelvic organ (unless it is full). The capacity of bladder can be as high as 600 to 800 ml of urine; however, it is recommended to void at intervals.

• Tubular Structures – Ureters that connects the kidneys with urinary bladder

• Urethra – The terminal end of urinary bladder that communicates with the exterior and helps the human body in getting rid of excess water, nitrogenous waste products and unnecessary electrolytes

Functions Of The Ureter

Ureter is a tube that carries the urine from the kidney to the bladder. The muscular walls of ureter are thick and allow continuous or uninterrupted flow of urine under the influence of gravity. In addition, the muscular walls of ureter generates wave of contractions (also known as peristalsis) that are similar in character to gastrointestinal (Gastrointestinal Wiki Page) peristalsis to propel the free flow of urine.
There are two ureters that originate from each kidney. Both ureters enter the bladder at an angle in order to prevent the back-flow or reflux of urine into the ureter, upon the contraction of bladder.
 

Structure Of The Ureter

• The length of ureter is 25- 30 cm (or 10-12 in)

• It begins at the level of renal pelvis (the funnel shaped peripheral part of kidneys that also allow entry and exit to major vessels and nerves to the kidney).