The organ responsible for storing urine is the bladder.
The bladder is a hollow, muscular organ located in the pelvis. Its primary function is to collect and store urine produced by the kidneys before it is eliminated from the body through urination.
Key Functions of the Bladder:
- Urine Storage: The bladder acts as a reservoir, gradually expanding to accommodate increasing volumes of urine.
- Controlled Release: The bladder's muscular walls contract to expel urine through the urethra during urination. This process is controlled by the nervous system, allowing for voluntary control over when and where urination occurs.
Bladder Characteristics:
- Shape: The bladder is often described as having a balloon-like or pear-like shape.
- Capacity: The average adult bladder can hold approximately 400-600 milliliters (13-20 ounces) of urine.
- Muscle Composition: The bladder wall is composed of smooth muscle, known as the detrusor muscle, which allows for expansion and contraction.
