The kidneys make urine by filtering wastes and extra water from the blood. It travels to the bladder through two thin tubes called ureters.
How the ureters work
- Each ureter is about 8 to 10 inches long.
- Muscles in its walls tighten and relax to push urine down, away from the kidney.
- Small amounts of urine pass from the ureters into the bladder about every 10 to 15 seconds.
What can go wrong
A ureter can become blocked or injured, stopping urine from reaching the bladder. If urine stays still or backs up the ureter, it can lead to a urinary tract infection.
Diagnosis and treatment
Doctors use several tests to find ureter problems, including urine tests, x-rays and a look inside with a scope called a cystoscope. Treatment depends on the cause: it may be medicines or, in severe cases, surgery.
Sources
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, "Ureteral Disorders," from the NIH National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://medlineplus.gov/ureteraldisorders.html
- Rewritten in hubnx's own words.
Licence: CC0 1.0 (public domain) · Adapted from medlineplus.gov
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