The bladder stores urine.
Understanding the Bladder's Role in Urine Storage
The bladder is a vital organ in the urinary system. Its primary function is to act as a reservoir for urine produced by the kidneys. As urine is produced, it travels down the ureters and fills the bladder. The bladder's walls, composed of flexible muscle tissue, allow it to expand considerably to accommodate varying amounts of urine. When full, nerve signals trigger the urge to urinate, prompting the bladder muscles to contract and expel the urine through the urethra.
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Key Features: The bladder is a hollow, muscular organ shaped like a triangle when empty. Its location is in the lower abdomen, held securely in place by ligaments attached to surrounding organs and pelvic bones.
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Mechanism of Storage and Release: The bladder's walls relax to accommodate accumulating urine, increasing in size. When it's time to urinate, these walls contract forcefully, pushing urine out through the urethra.
This process is essential for maintaining fluid balance within the body. The bladder's capacity to store and release urine efficiently is crucial for overall health.
