What is the function of the ureters in your body?

The urinary system is one of the most important excretory systems in the body. Not only helps the body eliminate excess substances, but also helps optimize substances to be reabsorbed into the body. The ureters are located in the position as the conduit connecting the components of the urinary system. Therefore, this article will help people have a deeper understanding of the function and common pathology of the ureter. 

content

1. What is the ureter?

The ureters are shaped like two strings surrounded by an outer muscular layer. Their positions are symmetrical on both sides of each other. The ureter is about 25 to 30cm long in an adult.

The wall of the ureter consists of three layers. The outermost layer is composed of interconnected fibers. The middle layer consists of the inner circular smooth muscle and the outer longitudinal smooth muscle. The main function of this layer is to create the movement of urine flow to push urine downward. The innermost layer is the mucosa, which is a transitional epithelium that is continuous with the mucosa of the renal pelvis and bladder. This layer secretes mucus, which protects the surface of the epithelial layer.

2. What is the function of the ureter?

The urinary system includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. The kidneys make urine and take on other functions of the urinary system. The ureters act as a transport vehicle that carries urine from the kidneys to the bladder or as a temporary reservoir for urine. The urethra is a tube-shaped structure that carries urine from the bladder to the outside.

The muscles in the wall of the ureter continuously contract and relax to push urine out of the kidney and downward. If urine backs up or doesn't get to the bladder, it can lead to a UTI. Every 10 to 15 seconds, a small amount of urine is pushed down the bladder.

What is the function of the ureters in your body?

The ureters are part of the urinary system

3.  Diseases can be acquired in the ureter?

3.1 Ureteral obstruction

A blockage in one or both tubes (ureters) that carry urine from your kidneys to your bladder. Pelvic ureteral junction obstruction is a blockage that occurs at the junction where the ureter attaches to the kidney. This results in decreased urine flow down the ureters. In addition, increased urine retention in the kidneys. The result is increased pressure inside the kidneys. Over time can cause decline in kidney function. 

Obstruction can be congenital or acquired through trauma, scar tissue, stones, or, rarely, tumours. If left untreated, symptoms can quickly go from mild (pain, fever, and infection) to severe (loss of kidney function, sepsis, and death). The following symptoms may suggest this condition, including:

  • Abdominal pain on one or both sides of the lower abdomen
  • There is blood in your urine
  • Fever
  • Swollen legs
  • Decreased urine output (called oliguria)

When an infection occurs in conjunction with an obstruction, the patient's condition may worsen. The most severe can require hospitalization, emergency surgery and treatment with intravenous antibiotics.

3.2 Urinary tract infection (UTI)

Normal urine is completely free of germs. It does not contain bacteria, viruses or fungi. A UTI occurs when bacteria, usually from the gastrointestinal tract, enter the urethral opening and begin to multiply. Most UTIs are caused by E. coli bacteria, which normally live in the intestinal tract.

In addition, germs can cause illness due to blood infections. A UTI can involve any part of your urinary system. Consists of the urethra, ureters, bladder and kidneys. This is a common health problem that affects millions of people every year. Women are more susceptible to UTIs than men. The infection causes the lining of the urinary tract to become red and irritated, which can produce some of the following symptoms:

  • Frequent urination, day and night
  • Pain or burning when urinating
  • Fever
  • Dark, cloudy, or red urine (may have blood in the urine)
  • Urine smells bad
  • Feeling pain even without urinating
  • Tired
  • Pain in the back or side, below the ribs
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Urinary frequency: despite the urge to urinate, only a small amount of urine is excreted

What is the function of the ureters in your body?

Pain in the back or side is a symptom of a urinary tract infection

Symptoms of a UTI can be similar to those of other medical conditions. Therefore, you need to see a specialist for a proper diagnosis.

>> See also the article  Urinary tract infection (UTI)  to better understand this disease.

3.3 Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR)

This is a condition in which urine flows backward from the bladder up one or both sides of the ureters and sometimes to the kidneys. Usually most common in infants and young children. Sometimes a child with vesicoureteral reflux may have no symptoms. If a child has symptoms, the most common is a UTI. Because urine goes upstream, it is a favorable condition for bacteria to grow more easily in the child's urinary tract.

Problems with bladder or bowel function can sometimes be related to vesicoureteral reflux. Consists of:

  • Urinary tract infection: bladder or kidney infection
  • Possible urinary incontinence, bedwetting, and no urination
  • Possible intestinal problems such as constipation

3.4 Double or ectopic ureter

Bedwetting is a common problem in childhood. But in general there are no underlying abnormalities of the urinary tract. Meanwhile, urinary incontinence (incontinence) is the main symptom of an ectopic ureter. Normally, there is a ureter on each side connecting the kidney to the bladder. When the ureter is not found in this position, it is considered ectopic. This condition may present before birth or shortly after birth by urinary tract infection or congenital ureteral obstruction. These two risk factors can eventually lead to chronic kidney failure. 

What is the function of the ureters in your body?

Urinary incontinence is the main symptom of an ectopic ureter

In most cases, an ectopic ureter has one end that originates in the kidney. Based on the images on ultrasound, X-ray or abdominal CT scan can show double ureters (2 ends of ureter attached to 1 kidney). The remaining kidney may or may not have a ureter attached.

Evaluation and management of young patients who present with urinary incontinence after toilet training or recurrent urinary tract infections can often be difficult. Bladder dysfunction, overactive bladder, as well as ectopic ureters are some of the disorders that can manifest with these symptoms.

4. How to prevent diseases of the ureter?

You can't prevent vesicoureteral reflux in your child, but good habits can help keep your child's urinary tract as healthy as possible. To prevent some urinary tract infections, give your child:

  • Drink adequate fluids based on your doctor's advice.
  • Practice good bathroom habits, like urinating as often as needed, limiting holding your urine, and cleaning the anal area from front to back.
  • Change soiled diapers as soon as possible, if your child is potty trained.
  • Constipation should be treated if necessary. Try to prevent your child from becoming constipated.

What is the function of the ureters in your body?

Drink enough water

The ureters act as a conduit for waste products from the urinary system to exit the body. And pathologies in the ureters often occur in children, so parents must regularly monitor their children's abnormal symptoms. In addition, teaching children how to clean their genitals to prevent bacteria from entering is also very important .

Dr. Huynh Nguyen Uyen Tam


Vaginal pH and what you need to know

Vaginal pH and what you need to know

Article by Doctor Nguyen Thanh Xuan about Vaginal pH - the vagina has a very rich resident microflora including beneficial and harmful microorganisms

The kneecap: Structure and function

The kneecap: Structure and function

On the human body, there are about 49 sesame bones of different sizes. Sesamoid bones are small bones located below tendons, commonly found in the joints of the hands and feet.

Human seminal vesicles: structure and function

Human seminal vesicles: structure and function

The seminal vesicles in humans are part of the male reproductive system. This unit has a distinct structure and function. It plays a role in semen production

What is the function of the ureters in your body?

What is the function of the ureters in your body?

The article was consulted by doctor Nguyen Huynh Uyen Tam about ureters, ureteral function and some related diseases.

Testicles: Basic Knowledge

Testicles: Basic Knowledge

Article by Doctor Nguyen Doan Trong Nhan about testicles. There are many conditions that affect the testicles and can sometimes lead to infertility.

Enamel: The strongest structure in the body!

Enamel: The strongest structure in the body!

Enamel is the outermost layer, plays a protective role and is also the strongest component. Although hard, enamel can still crack, chip and be dissolved by acids

Gums: Important soft tissue that surrounds teeth

Gums: Important soft tissue that surrounds teeth

Gums play an important role in the oral system. It helps to cover, create aesthetics for the mouth area, protect and prevent the penetration of bacteria

The temporal lobe: Anatomy and function

The temporal lobe: Anatomy and function

The temporal lobe is one of the main lobes that make up the human brain. This lobe of the brain has distinct functions.

The lacrimal gland: Anatomical and functional features

The lacrimal gland: Anatomical and functional features

Doctor Nguyen Lam Giang's article about the lacrimal gland, a very specific exocrine gland in humans, thanks to the lacrimal gland we can express our emotions

The tibia: location, structure and function

The tibia: location, structure and function

Article by Doctor Luong Sy Bac about tibia. The tibia is the large bone in the lower leg that bears the main force of the body and is often injured.