URINARY BLADDER CADAVERIC DISSECTION - Human Anatomy Cadaveric Dissection Videos

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive overview of the urinary bladder through the lens of cadaveric dissection. Understanding the anatomy, function, and clinical significance of the urinary bladder is crucial for students and professionals in the medical field.

Step 1: Understanding the Anatomy of the Urinary Bladder

• The urinary bladder is a hollow, muscular, pear-shaped organ located on the pelvic floor.
• It collects urine from the kidneys via the ureters, which are thick tubes connecting the kidneys to the bladder.
• The bladder has several important features:
  • Body: The main part where urine is stored.
  • Fundus: The base formed by the posterior wall, containing the trigone.
  • Trigone: A triangular area that includes the urethral outlet.

Key Points

• Average bladder capacity ranges from 400 mL to 600 mL, but it can stretch to hold 1000 mL.
• The relationship between the ureters and surrounding structures is crucial during surgeries such as hysterectomies, often summarized by the mnemonic “water under the bridge.”

Step 2: Recognizing the Functions of the Urinary Bladder

• The bladder allows for conscious control over urination, which is significant in social settings.
• Two primary pathways govern bladder function:
  1. Sensation of fullness: As the bladder fills, stretch receptors signal the need to void.
  2. Motor control: The detrusor muscle contracts to expel urine.

Detailed Explanation

• The detrusor muscle consists of smooth muscle fibers arranged in various orientations to enable effective contraction.
• Signals from the bladder are sent to the central nervous system through general visceral afferent fibers, which differentiate based on their location on the bladder.
• Improved contraction of the detrusor muscle is associated with sitting during urination, as noted in research studies.

Step 3: Understanding Bladder Control Mechanisms

• Urination involves both autonomic and voluntary control:
  • Internal sphincter: Autonomically controlled, allowing passage of urine.
  • External sphincter: Voluntarily controlled, providing conscious control over urination.

Practical Tip

• Awareness of the nervous system pathways related to bladder control can enhance understanding of urinary disorders.

Conclusion

This tutorial highlights the anatomical and functional aspects of the urinary bladder, emphasizing its role in the urinary system. Understanding these concepts is essential for medical professionals and can inform clinical practices and surgical procedures. Next steps may include further exploration of urinary disorders or advanced cadaveric studies to deepen anatomical knowledge.