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The Role of the Bladder in the Excretory System

The excretory system has the responsibility of removing salts, acids, toxins and other substances from your body. Several organs contribute to the function of your excretory system, including your bladder.

  1. Identification

    • Your bladder is an organ found in your lower abdomen. Tubes called ureters connect your kidneys to your bladder, and another passage known as the urethra leads from your bladder to the outside of your body.

    Connection to Kidneys

    • As it flows through your body, blood passes through your kidneys, a pair of bean-shaped organs located on either side of your lower abdomen above your bladder. Your kidneys filter out excess fluid and other substances from your blood and then produce urine from this waste.

    Bladder Function

    • After production, urine travels into your bladder, and the organ stores the urine until it becomes full enough for you to feel. This fullness signals that you need to urinate, a process where the muscles that surround your bladder release the urine held inside so you can pass it out of your body.

    Capacity

    • Your bladder is capable of storing 10 to 20 ounces of urine, and its capacity decreases with age. Normally, you do not feel a need to urinate until your bladder becomes at least half-full.

    Time Frame

    • The bladder typically requires emptying four to six times per day. People who drink large amounts of fluids may need to urinate more frequently.

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