Urinary bladder

Definition

The urinary bladder is a hollow, muscular organ that stores urine produced by the kidneys before it is excreted from the body. It plays a crucial role in the storage and controlled release of urine.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The urinary bladder is lined with transitional epithelium, which allows it to expand and contract.
2. It typically holds between 400-600 mL of urine in adults but can stretch to accommodate more.
3. The detrusor muscle in the bladder wall contracts during urination to expel urine.
4. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) often involve the bladder, a condition known as cystitis.
5. Normal microbiota of the urinary tract can sometimes ascend into the bladder, causing infections.

Review Questions

• What type of epithelium lines the urinary bladder?
• How much urine can an adult's urinary bladder typically hold?
• What muscle is responsible for contracting to expel urine from the bladder?

Related terms

Kidneys: Organs that filter blood to produce urine.

Urethra:

A duct through which urine exits the body from the bladder.

Cystitis:

Inflammation of the urinary bladder, often due to infection.