The bladder is an important part of the urinary system, and its main function is to store urine and control urination. The bladder is located in the pelvis**, connecting the urethra above and the urethral opening below, and is the only way to transport urine from the kidneys to the outside of the body.
Physiological structure of the bladder.
The bladder can be divided into three parts: the bladder floor, the bladder body, and the bladder neck. The bladder floor is the top of the bladder and is connected to the ureters; The bladder body is the main part of the bladder that stores urine; The bladder neck is the base of the bladder and connects to the urethra.
The function of the bladder.
1.Store urine.
The main function of the bladder is to store urine. When urine is produced from the kidneys, it travels through the ureters into the bladder and is stored in the bladder. Normally, the bladder capacity is 300-500 ml, but it varies with age and individual differences.
2.Control urination.
The bladder controls the process of urination. During urination, the bladder muscles contract, and the detrusor muscles contract more intensively, allowing urine to be expelled from the bladder. At the same time, the bladder sphincter also contracts, controlling the force and flow of urine.
3.Regulates urine composition.
After the urine stays in the bladder for a certain period of time, the waste and excess water in it is gradually excreted. At the same time, the bladder can also regulate the pH and osmotic pressure of urine by secreting and absorbing substances in the urine to maintain the balance of the body's internal environment.
4.Protects the kidneys.
The bladder also protects the kidneys. When urine is stored in the bladder, waste products and excess water are gradually excreted from the body, reducing the burden and damage to the kidneys. In addition, the bladder can also inhibit the growth and reproduction of bacteria by secreting substances in the urine, preventing diseases such as urinary tract infections.
In conclusion, the bladder is an indispensable part of the urinary system, and its physiological structure and function are essential for maintaining the balance and health of the body's internal environment. In daily life, we should pay attention to maintaining adequate water intake and avoiding bad habits such as holding urine for a long time to maintain the health of the bladder.