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Bladder

The urinary bladder is an Organ that is hollow that collects urine from the Kidneys.

The bladder is layered similar to a balloon with several muscles that make up this organ. It is elastic and can get larger as needed as if fills with urine prior to urination.

The primary muscle around the bladder is Smooth Muscle.  The bladder is an important organ in the urinary system of both Males and Females.

When the bladder is stretched it sends a signal through the Nervous System – a parasympathetic response that allows urine to leave the bladder and travel to the urethra. Sphincter control is essential.

Incontinence can be as a result of problems with sphincter control. The bladder is typically sterile – meaning without bacteria

Smooth muscle allows the bladder to enlarge when it becomes full and small when empty.

Overall the bladder can typically hold 400-620 ml but the maximum is twice this amount if the outflow is obstructed.

Location:

–  The bladder is located on the pelvic floor of most humans and mammals
–  It links the Kidney and Urethra in this system
–  Muscle involvement is Detrusor Muscle

Function

–  Urine excreted by the kidneys, collected in the bladder.
–  Before it is disposed of by the bladder as urine
–  As Urine accumulates, the rugae flatten, and the wall of the bladder thins
–  This allows the bladder to store a larger amount of urine

Males:

–  The bladder lies between the rectum and the pubic symphysis.
–  It is located just above the prostate.
–  It is separated from the rectum by the Rectovesical Excavation

Females:

–  The bladder lies just behind the uterus and near the vagina.
–  It is actually lower in Females than Males
–  It is separated from Uterus by the Vesicouterine Excavation