Summary ANATOMY OF THE URETER

URETER Ureter Location and Description • The two ureters are muscular tubes that extend from the kidneys to the posterior surface of the urinary bladder . • The urine is propelled along the ureter by peristaltic contractions of the muscle coat, assisted by the filtration pressure of the glomeruli. • Each ureter measures about 10 in. (25 cm) long , having three constrictions along its course: where the renal pelvis joins the ureter, where it is kinked as it crosses the pelvic brim, and where it pierces the bladder wall . CONT… • The renal pelvis is the funnel-shaped expanded upper end of the ureter. • It lies within the hilum of the kidney and receives the major calyces . • The ureter emerges from the hilum of the kidney and runs vertically downward behind the parietal peritoneum (adherent to it) on the psoas muscle, which separates it from the tips of the transverse processes of the lumbar vertebrae. • It enters the pelvis by crossing the bifurcation of the common iliac artery in front of the sacroiliac joint . • The ureter then runs down the lateral wall of the pelvis to the region of the ischial spine and turns forward to enter the lateral angle of the bladder Relations, Right Ureter • Anteriorly: The duodenum, the terminal part of the ileum, the right colic and ileocolic vessels, the right testicular or ovarian vessels, and the root of the mesentery of the small intestine . • Posteriorly: The right psoas muscle, which separates it from the lumbar transverse processes, and the bifurcation of the right common iliac artery. Relations, Left Ureter • Anteriorly: The sigmoid colon and sigmoid mesocolon, the left colic vessels, and the left testicular or ovarian vessels . • Posteriorly: The left psoas muscle, which separates it from the lumbar transverse processes, and the bifurcation of the left common iliac artery