Logan Steele
The urinary system is the body's filtration system, removing waste and toxins from the body in the form of urine. The urine is produced by the kidneys, which is then moved to the bladder via the ureters. The bladder is a hollow, balloon-shaped organ that expands as it fills with urine. The detrusor muscle, located within the bladder walls, is responsible for contracting during urination to push urine out of the bladder and into the urethra. The urethra is a tube that allows urine to pass outside the body. The pelvic floor muscles also play a role in controlling the release of urine.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Muscles that move urine along | Detrusor muscle, pelvic floor muscles, ureter muscles, bladder muscles, sphincter muscles |
| Location of detrusor muscle | Within the walls of the bladder |
| Composition of detrusor muscle | Smooth muscle fibres oriented in multiple directions |
| Control of detrusor muscle | Autonomic system, parasympathetic nervous system, sympathetic nervous system |
| Function of detrusor muscle | Contracts during urination to push urine out of the bladder and into the urethra, relaxes to store urine |
| Pelvic floor muscles support | Bladder, bowel, and uterus (women); bladder, bowel (men) |
| Pelvic floor muscles function | Control release of urine, faeces, and flatus; support sexual function |
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What You'll Learn
The detrusor muscle contracts to push urine out of the bladder
The detrusor muscle is a smooth muscle located within the walls of the bladder. It is composed of smooth muscle fibres that are longitudinal and circular, with the layers of the detrusor muscle starting longitudinally in the inner layer, becoming circular in the middle layer, and then longitudinal again in the outer layer. The detrusor muscle contracts to push urine out of the bladder and into the urethra.
The primary function of the detrusor muscle is to contract during urination to push urine out of the bladder. When the bladder is full of urine, stretch receptors in the bladder wall trigger the micturition reflex, causing the detrusor muscle to contract. This contraction of the detrusor muscle leads to the expulsion of urine from the bladder. At the same time, the internal urethral sphincter, which is also composed of smooth muscle, relaxes, allowing urine to pass out of the bladder and into the urethra.
The detrusor muscle is under autonomic control and is stimulated by the parasympathetic nervous system through the pelvic nerve fibres. When the bladder fills with urine, the M3 receptors located within the bladder become stretched and stimulated, leading to the contraction of the detrusor muscle. This stimulation by the parasympathetic nervous system also inhibits the internal urethral sphincter, causing it to relax and allow for bladder emptying.
The detrusor muscle works in conjunction with the internal urethral sphincter to control the flow of urine. During urination, the detrusor muscle contracts to push urine out of the bladder, while the internal urethral sphincter relaxes to allow urine to pass into the urethra. The external urethral sphincter, on the other hand, is under voluntary control. It must be relaxed for urine to flow through the urethra and exit the body.
The detrusor muscle is essential for maintaining proper bladder function. Abnormalities or pathologies of the detrusor muscle can lead to urinary retention, incontinence, or a combination of both. Therefore, the proper functioning of the detrusor muscle is crucial for the normal storage and release of urine from the bladder.
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The pelvic floor muscles control urine release
The pelvic floor muscles are essential for controlling urine release. They support the bladder, bowel, and, in women, the uterus. The urethra, anus, and, in women, the vagina, all pass through the pelvic floor muscles. These muscles wrap tightly around these passages, helping to keep them closed and preventing urine leakage.
The pelvic floor muscles enable individuals to control the release of urine, faeces, and flatus, and to delay emptying until it is convenient. Contracting the pelvic floor muscles lifts the internal organs of the pelvis and tightens the openings of the vagina, anus, and urethra. Relaxing the pelvic floor allows for the passage of urine and faeces. This is particularly important if the urethral or anal sphincters are not functioning normally, such as after childbirth or prostate surgery.
Pelvic floor muscles are also crucial for sexual function in both men and women. In men, they are essential for erectile function and ejaculation. In women, voluntary contractions of the pelvic floor contribute to sexual sensation and arousal. Additionally, during pregnancy, the pelvic floor muscles provide support for the baby, and they need to be relaxed during labour.
Weak pelvic floor muscles can lead to urinary incontinence, where individuals cannot control their bladder. Factors contributing to weak pelvic floor muscles include constipation, chronic coughing, heavy lifting, and high-impact exercises. Pelvic floor exercises, also known as Kegel exercises, can help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and maintain healthy bladder and bowel function.
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The urethra relaxes to allow urine to exit the body
The urethra is a tube that allows urine to exit the body. The urethra is located at the bottom of the bladder and is surrounded by the detrusor muscle. The detrusor muscle is composed of smooth muscle fibres that are longitudinal and circular. The contraction of the detrusor muscle and the relaxation of the urethral sphincter lead to urination.
The urethral sphincter is a ring-like muscle that opens and closes to let urine exit the body. When the bladder is full, the brain signals the bladder muscles to contract and squeeze urine out of the bladder. Simultaneously, the brain signals the urethral sphincter muscles to relax, allowing urine to exit the bladder through the urethra.
The pelvic floor muscles also play a crucial role in controlling the release of urine. They support the bladder, bowel, and uterus in women, and the bladder and bowel in men. The urethra passes through the pelvic floor muscles, which help to keep the urethra closed. Relaxing the pelvic floor muscles allows urine to pass through the urethra.
In summary, the urethra relaxes to allow urine to exit the body through a combination of muscle contractions and relaxations. The detrusor muscle contracts, pushing urine out of the bladder and into the urethra. At the same time, the urethral sphincter and pelvic floor muscles relax, opening the urethra and allowing urine to exit the body.
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The kidneys filter blood to produce urine
The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs, each about the size of a clenched fist, located below the rib cage, one on each side of the spine. The kidneys filter about 120 to 150 quarts of blood per day to remove wastes and balance fluids, producing about 1 to 2 quarts of urine. This process is facilitated by tiny filtering units in the kidneys called nephrons. Each nephron consists of a ball formed of small blood capillaries, called a glomerulus, and a small tube called a renal tubule. Urea, together with water and other waste substances, forms urine as it passes through the nephrons and renal tubules of the kidney.
The urine formed in the kidneys is then carried to the bladder by the ureters, which are thin tubes of muscle that connect the kidneys to the bladder. The bladder is a hollow, balloon-shaped organ that expands as it fills with urine. The bladder is located in the pelvis between the hip bones and can hold about 1.5 to 2 cups of urine. The walls of the bladder are primarily composed of detrusor muscle, which allows the bladder to contract and relax to excrete or store urine, respectively.
The detrusor muscle is under autonomic control and is stimulated by the parasympathetic nervous system. When the bladder fills with urine, the M3 receptors in the bladder become stretched and stimulated, leading to the contraction of the detrusor muscle for urination. Simultaneously, the parasympathetic fibers inhibit the internal urethral sphincter, causing it to relax and allow for bladder emptying. The ureter passes obliquely through the detrusor muscle to prevent urine reflux into the kidney as the bladder fills.
The pelvic floor muscles also play a crucial role in controlling the release of urine. These muscles support the bladder and urethra, and their contraction lifts the internal organs of the pelvis and tightens the urethral opening. Relaxing the pelvic floor muscles allows for the passage of urine. Additionally, the bladder itself has muscles that contract to squeeze urine out, while the brain signals the sphincter muscles to relax, allowing urine to exit through the urethra.
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Healthy lifestyle choices can prevent urinary tract infections
The urinary tract includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are very common, especially in women, as their shorter urethra makes it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder. UTIs are caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract.
UTIs can be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices and good hygiene practices. Firstly, it is important to stay hydrated by drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water per day. Water and other fluids such as herbal tea, milk, and smoothies help to flush out bacteria from the urinary tract. Alcohol and caffeinated drinks may irritate the bladder, so these should be limited or avoided.
Secondly, it is important to avoid holding in urine. Holding urine can weaken bladder muscles and make it harder to empty the bladder completely. This provides an environment for bacteria to grow and increases the risk of a UTI. It is recommended to urinate every 3 to 4 hours and to take the time to fully empty the bladder.
Thirdly, maintaining a healthy vaginal pH is crucial. Scented feminine products, bath oils, soaps, and bubble baths can irritate the genital area and cause an imbalance in vaginal bacteria, increasing the risk of UTIs. Probiotics and fermented foods can help promote the growth of good bacteria in the urinary tract and reduce the frequency of UTIs.
Additionally, a healthy diet that includes lean proteins, whole grains, fiber-rich breads, nuts, fruits, and vegetables can promote regular bowel movements and a healthy urinary tract. Pelvic floor exercises, also known as Kegel exercises, can help maintain healthy bladder function. Finally, it is important to clean the genital area before and after sex, especially for women, who should wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from entering the urethra.
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Frequently asked questions
The detrusor muscle is the primary muscle that contracts to push urine out of the bladder and into the urethra.
The detrusor muscle contracts during urination to push urine out of the bladder. It also relaxes to allow the storage of urine in the urinary bladder.
The pelvic floor muscles support the bladder and help control the release of urine. The urethra and anus pass through these muscles. Sphincter muscles in the urethra also relax to allow urine to exit the body.
To keep your urinary tract healthy, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes regular physical activity, limiting alcohol intake, reducing caffeine consumption, and not smoking. It is also important to empty your bladder when you need to and not hold in your urine.
