Ureters: Structure and Function

The ureters are long, narrow tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the urinary bladder. Each human has two ureters, one connected to each kidney. The primary function of the ureters is to transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder, where it is stored until it is expelled from the body during urination.

Structure of Ureters:

The ureters are approximately 25-30 cm long and are made up of three layers of tissue: mucosa, muscularis, and adventitia. The mucosa is the innermost layer, consisting of transitional epithelium that allows the ureters to stretch as urine passes through. The muscularis is the middle layer, composed of smooth muscle that contracts in a peristaltic wave to propel urine towards the bladder. The adventitia is the outer layer that anchors the ureters to surrounding tissues.

Function of Ureters:

Once urine is produced in the kidneys, it flows into the ureters through peristaltic contractions of the smooth muscle. These contractions help move the urine down the ureters and into the bladder. The ureters also have valves at the junction with the bladder to prevent the backflow of urine, ensuring that urine flows only in one direction.

Study Guide

Key Concepts

1. Structure of Ureters
2. Layers of Ureteral Tissue
3. Function of Ureters
4. Peristaltic Contractions
5. Valves in the Ureter

Sample Questions

1. What are the three layers of tissue that make up the structure of the ureters?
2. How do peristaltic contractions in the ureters help in the transport of urine?
3. What is the function of the valves in the ureters?
4. Explain the role of ureters in the urinary system.

Further Reading

For further understanding of the ureters and their role in the urinary system, refer to textbooks or online resources that cover human anatomy and physiology. Additionally, studying diagrams or models of the urinary system can provide visual reinforcement of the structure and function of the ureters.