Bladder
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Reservoir of the urinary system
Bladder sits low in the pelvis like an upside-down balloon. Urine made by the kidneys travels down the ureters and drips into the bladder all day. Its walls stretch as it fills, then spring back after we go to the restroom.
The lining is made of transitional epithelium, which can fold and unfold without tearing. A thick muscle called the detrusor wraps the bladder and squeezes when it is time to empty. Two sphincters guard the exit: the internal one works automatically, and the external one is a ring of skeletal muscle we learn to control during toilet training.
Stretch receptors in the bladder wall send signals to the spinal cord and brain when the bladder is half full. The brain can delay release for a short time by tightening the external sphincter. When it is convenient, the brain tells the detrusor to contract and the sphincters to relax, letting urine flow through the urethra.
Drinking plenty of water, limiting sugary drinks, and visiting the restroom regularly keep the bladder comfortable. Pelvic floor exercises strengthen the muscles that support the bladder, which helps prevent leaks. Good hygiene and cotton underwear lower the chance of urinary tract infections.
Doctors can test bladder health with urinalysis, ultrasound, or urodynamic studies that measure pressure. If the bladder is irritated, medicines, bladder training, or surgery may help. Wearing protective gear during sports also shields the lower abdomen from injury.
The lining is made of transitional epithelium, which can fold and unfold without tearing. A thick muscle called the detrusor wraps the bladder and squeezes when it is time to empty. Two sphincters guard the exit: the internal one works automatically, and the external one is a ring of skeletal muscle we learn to control during toilet training.
Stretch receptors in the bladder wall send signals to the spinal cord and brain when the bladder is half full. The brain can delay release for a short time by tightening the external sphincter. When it is convenient, the brain tells the detrusor to contract and the sphincters to relax, letting urine flow through the urethra.
Drinking plenty of water, limiting sugary drinks, and visiting the restroom regularly keep the bladder comfortable. Pelvic floor exercises strengthen the muscles that support the bladder, which helps prevent leaks. Good hygiene and cotton underwear lower the chance of urinary tract infections.
Doctors can test bladder health with urinalysis, ultrasound, or urodynamic studies that measure pressure. If the bladder is irritated, medicines, bladder training, or surgery may help. Wearing protective gear during sports also shields the lower abdomen from injury.
What We Can Learn
- The bladder stores urine from the kidneys until bathroom time
- Stretchy walls and the detrusor muscle allow filling and emptying
- Two sphincters control when urine leaves the body
- Hydration, hygiene, and pelvic exercises keep the bladder healthy
