Bladder

A hollow muscular organ that stores urine until it is ready to be excreted from the body.

The bladder is a key part of the urinary system, primarily tasked with storing urine produced by the kidneys. It is a pear-shaped organ that expands and contracts as it fills and empties. The bladder is lined with a special type of tissue that allows it to stretch, accommodating varying volumes of urine without compromising its structural integrity.

Terminologia Anatomica

vesica-urinaris

System

Urinary system

Function

The primary function of the bladder is to serve as a reservoir for urine, enabling the body to maintain fluid balance and manage waste elimination efficiently. As urine flows from the kidneys through the ureters, it enters the bladder, where it can be stored until the pressure within the bladder reaches a certain threshold. This pressure triggers nerve signals that prompt the sensation of needing to urinate. When the bladder contracts, the urine is expelled through the urethra, allowing for the elimination of waste. Additionally, the bladder plays a role in regulating the body's hydration status and electrolyte balance by controlling the timing and volume of urine excretion. Maintaining proper bladder function is essential for overall health, as dysfunction can lead to complications such as urinary incontinence, infections, or other urological disorders.

Location

The bladder is located in the pelvic cavity, positioned posterior to the pubic symphysis and anterior to the rectum in males. In females, the bladder is situated anterior to the vagina and uterus. The bladder's location allows it to efficiently receive urine via the ureters and also to empty urine through the urethra. Its adaptable walls enable the bladder to expand as it fills and contract during urination, making it an essential component of the urinary tract that is well-suited to its functional requirements. The bladder's position between other pelvic organs underscores its importance in both the male and female body, as it interacts with various structures in the reproductive and digestive systems.

Did You Know?

The bladder can hold approximately 400 to 600 milliliters of urine before the urge to urinate is triggered.
Both men and women have a bladder, but the female bladder is shorter and positioned differently due to anatomical differences.
The bladder is capable of providing feedback to the kidneys, potentially influencing urine production based on its filling status.
Some animals, such as camels, have highly adapted bladders that allow them to store large amounts of urine and survive long periods without water.