What is the bladder made of?

The bladder is a hollow, muscular organ that stores urine until it is released through the urethra. It is made up of several layers of tissue:

- The innermost layer is the urothelium, which is a type of transitional epithelium that is specialised for storing urine. It is lined with impermeable umbrella cells which stop the transfer of ions, solutes and water. It is also highly flexible, allowing the bladder to expand and contract as needed.

- The middle layer is the muscularis propria, which is a smooth muscle layer that contracts to expel urine from the bladder. It is composed of three layers of smooth muscle: an inner and outer longitudinal layer and a middle circular layer.

- The outermost layer is the adventitia, which is a connective tissue layer that provides structural support and anchors the bladder to surrounding tissues.

The bladder is also supported by the pelvic floor muscles, which help to keep it in place and prevent incontinence.