III.C.2 Abdomen: Bladder: Page 1 of 4

OBJECTIVES:

4.2.1 Identify the openings of the ureters and urethra in the bladder wall.

4.2.2 Describe the location and anatomical relations of the internal and external urethral sphincters and their relationship to other pelvic organs in both males and females.

4.2.3 Trace the blood supply to the bladder.

READINGS:

Moore's COA: Pages 589-596. See the blue boxes on pages 600-602 for clinical correlations. See the yellow box on page 602 for "The Bottom Line."

Tap on image to enlarge

Begin with the urinary system without pelvic floor.

Follow the course of the ureters from the urinary pelvis to the urinary bladder.

	What are the three possible areas of ureteral obstruction?
1. Ureteropelvic junction 2. The pelvic inlet 3. The entrance to the bladder

	What is the blood supply for the ureters?
The ureters receive blood from thee arteries that form a web of collateral circulation. The upper ureter is supplied by the rnal arteries. The middle ureter recieves blood from multiple arteries including the aorta, the testicular/ovarian arteries, and the iliac arteries.The lower (pelvic) ureter receives its blood supply from branches of the internal iliac arteries.