The urinary
bladder is a muscular sac in the pelvis, just above and behind the pubic
bone. When empty, the bladder is about the size and shape of a pear.
Urine is made in the kidneys, and
travels down two tubes called ureters to the bladder. The bladder stores urine,
allowing urination to be infrequent and voluntary. The bladder is lined by
layers of muscle tissue that stretch to accommodate urine. The normal capacity
of the bladder is 400 to 600 mL.
During urination, the bladder muscles
contract, and two sphincters (valves) open to allow urine to flow out. Urine
exits the bladder into the urethra, which carries urine out of the body.
Because it passes through the penis, the urethra is longer in men (8 inches)
than in women (1.5 inches).
A healthy bladder is important to all
of us, yet many people suffer in silence even though a lot can be done to
improve things. Take this very short assessment to find out if you should seek
further advice. Note that while it is really very much basic, it may help you
to see how much that is a problem to you and decide if any further medical
assistance is needed.
