Ureter

Ureter: structure, functions and diseases

The ureter is a muscular fibrous tube that connects the kidney and bladder. It plays an important role in removing waste and excess fluid from the body and is an integral part of the urinary system.

Structure of the ureter

The ureter has a length of about 25-30 cm and a diameter of about 0.5 cm. Its walls consist of three layers: inner, middle and outer. The inner layer consists of epithelium that covers the cavity of the ureter. The middle layer consists of smooth muscle, which provides the peristaltic movements necessary to allow urine to pass through the ureter. The outer layer consists of connective tissue that protects the ureter from damage.

Functions of the ureter

The ureter plays an important role in removing waste and excess fluid from the body. It transports urine from the kidney to the bladder, where it is temporarily stored before being eliminated from the body through the urethra.

Ureteral diseases

Ureteral disorders can be due to a variety of causes, including infections, tumors, stones, congenital abnormalities, and trauma. Some of the most common ureteral diseases include:

1. Urolithiasis: This is a disease in which stones form in the urinary tract, including the ureters. It can lead to lower back pain, nausea, vomiting and difficulty urinating.
2. Hydronephrosis: This is a condition in which the ureter dilates and fills with urine, which can cause the kidney to enlarge and interfere with its function.
3. Pyelonephritis: This is an infectious disease that can affect both the kidney and the urinary tract, including the ureter. It usually causes fever, chills, side pain and difficulty urinating.
4. Ureterocele: This is a condition in which urine accumulates in the ureter when it passes through a bottleneck or becomes compressed by a tumor or other structure. This can lead to side pain and difficulty urinating.

In conclusion, the ureter plays an important role in removing waste and excess fluid from the body. Diseases of the ureter can lead to serious consequences and require medical intervention. If you have symptoms of ureteral disease, see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. If you seek medical help in a timely manner, most diseases of the ureter can be successfully treated, which will preserve the normal function of the urinary system and improve the general condition of the body.

The ureters are two paired tubular organs that connect the kidneys to the bladder and remove urine from the body. Each ureter is about 30 cm long and has a diameter of about 8 mm.

The ureters pass through the retroperitoneum, where they lie between the posterior surface of the kidneys and the anterior surface of the abdominal cavity. They are S-shaped and curved towards the bladder.

Each ureter consists of three layers: the mucosa, the muscular layer, and the serosa. The mucous membrane contains glands that secrete urine. The muscularis propria consists of smooth muscles that cause the ureter to contract and relax as urine passes through. The serous membrane forms the capsule of the ureter and protects it from damage.

The function of the ureters is to carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. Urine enters the ureter from the renal pelvis through the ureteric duct. The ureter passes through the lumbar region and enters the bladder, where urine is stored.

Diseases of the ureters may be associated with obstruction or dysfunction of the bladder or kidneys. For example, the ureters can be damaged by abdominal trauma, tumors and stones, and urinary tract infections.

Diagnosis of ureteral diseases may include ultrasound, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging. Treatment may include surgery, medication, or physical therapy.

It is important to remember that the ureters play an important role in maintaining the health of the urinary tract, so it is necessary to monitor their health and undergo regular medical examinations.