What are the functions of ureters?

The ureters are two muscular tubes that carry the urine from the kidneys to the urinary bladder. They are about 25 to 30 centimeters (10 to 12 inches) long and about the same diameter as a drinking straw. The ureters are lined with smooth muscle that contracts and relaxes to propel the urine downwards towards the bladder.

Peristaltic contractions of the ureters begin in the renal pelvis and propel urine toward the bladder. Urine flows into the ureters by gravity and by the force generated by contractions of the renal pelvis and calyces. Normally, urine flows continuously from the kidneys to the bladder; pressures within the renal pelvis rarely exceed 25 mm Hg.

Here are the main functions of the ureters:

1. Transportation of urine: The primary function of the ureters is to transport urine from the kidneys to the urinary bladder. Urine is produced in the kidneys and then flows into the renal pelvis, which is a funnel-shaped cavity in the kidney. The ureters then carry the urine away from the kidneys and towards the bladder.

2. Storage of urine: The ureters also act as temporary storage sites for urine. When the urinary bladder is full, it sends a signal to the ureters to stop transporting urine. This allows urine to build up in the ureters until the bladder is able to empty itself.

3. Regulation of urine flow: The ureters help to regulate the flow of urine by controlling the rate at which urine is transported to the bladder. This is done by varying the frequency and strength of the peristaltic contractions of the ureters.

The ureters play an important role in the urinary system by ensuring that urine is transported from the kidneys to the bladder in a timely and efficient manner.