Everything You Need to Know About Urinary Bladder

• Written by Anjali Sharma

  Reviewed by Rashmi Rai

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The urinary bladder is an important organ in our body’s excretory system. It temporarily stores urine and plays a significant role in maintaining our overall health. The bladder works in coordination with the kidneys, ureters, and urethra to form the urinary tract, ensuring the proper removal of waste products and maintaining the body's fluid balance.

In this blog, we will explore the urinary bladder, its functions, its location, and some common medical conditions related to it.

What is the Urinary Bladder?

The urinary bladder is a hollow, muscular organ in the urinary tract. It stores urine produced by the kidneys and helps control its release during urination. The urinary bladder has elastic walls that can expand to hold urine and contract to expel it. On average, a healthy urinary bladder has the capacity to hold about 500 mL of urine, although you might feel the urge to urinate when it holds around 200–300 mL. The shape of the urinary bladder depends on the amount of urine stored in it. 

What is the Function of the Urinary Bladder?

Here is a detailed explanation of the main functions of the urinary bladder: 

Storing Urine: The primary function of the urinary bladder is to store the urine made by the kidneys. The two small tubes present, called ureters, carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.

Emptying: When the bladder becomes full, it sends signals through the nerves to the brain. Then, the bladder wall contracts and flattens to expel the urine through the urethra. 

Where is the Urinary Bladder Located?

The urinary bladder is a key part of the urinary system, located within the pelvic cavity. Its specific position and relationships with surrounding organs differ based on gender. In males, it is located above the prostate gland and in front of the rectum. However, in females, it is located below the uterus and in front of the vagina. This location of the Urinary bladder ensures efficient connection with the kidneys, ureters, and urethra for optimal urinary function.

Anatomy of the Urinary Bladder

The urinary bladder is a balloon-like organ that can stretch when it is filled with urine and shrink when empty. Let us learn in detail about the anatomy of the urinary bladder:

• Location: The bladder is located in the pelvic area, just behind the bone at the front of your pelvis. In women, it is in the uterus and above the vagina. In men, it is in front of the rectum and just above the prostate gland.
• Parts of the Bladder: 
  • Apex (Top): It is the pointed part of the urinary bladder that faces upward when it is full.
  • Base (Bottom): It is the bottom part where urine exits the bladder into the urethra.
  • Middle Body: It is the main part of the bladder that expands to hold urine.
• Trigone (Triangular Area): It is a smooth triangular region at the bottom of the bladder formed by two ureters (tubes bringing urine from the kidneys) and the urethral opening (where urine leaves the bladder).
• Layers of the Bladder Wall: front 
  • Mucosa (Inner Lining): It is a stretchy layer that protects the urinary bladder and keeps urine from leaking into the body. 
  • Submucosa (Support Layer): This layer adds strength and elasticity to the bladder.
  • Detrusor Muscle (Middle Layer): It is made of smooth muscle that contracts to push urine out of the bladder during urination.
  • Serosa (Outer Layer): It covers the top part of the bladder and provides support.

Physical Structure of the Urinary Bladder

The urinary bladder is a muscular organ in your lower belly that holds urine until you go to the bathroom. It is stretchy and can expand or shrink depending on how much urine it holds. 

It is well-structured and has several parts in it. Let us learn more about the structure of the urinary bladder in detail:

Shape and Size: When the urinary bladder is empty, it looks like a small, deflated balloon. When it becomes full, it becomes larger. In adults, a urinary bladder can hold 400–600 mL of urine (about two cups). 

Openings in the Bladder: There are two small tubes, known as ureters that bring urine from the kidneys to the bladder. A single tube known as urethra is also present that takes urine from the bladder out of the body during urination.

Nerves and Blood Supply: The nerves in the urinary bladder wall send signals to your brain to let you know when it is time to urinate. They also control the muscles that help release or hold urine. The arteries also play a vital role by bringing oxygen-rich blood to the bladder, and the veins carry blood back to the heart after oxygen is used.

Common Medical Conditions Related to the Urinary Bladder

The urinary bladder is an elastic muscular organ prone to various medical conditions that can affect its functionality.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Bacterial infections that enter through the urethra and reach the bladder cause urinary tract infections. Consuming antibiotics and increasing the daily fluid intake would help in reducing the symptoms. 

Overactive Bladder (OAB): It is a medical condition in which the bladder creates an urgency and incontinence to excrete urine. Some lifestyle changes, pelvic floor exercises, and medications are very helpful to manage the situation of overactive bladder (OAB).

Bladder Stones: The stones in the urinary bladder are the hard mineral deposits that form due to incomplete bladder emptying. Multiple or large stones in the bladder can cause chronic urinary retention or infection.

Bladder Cancer: It is a form of cancer that causes cells in the urinary bladder to grow uncontrollably. It usually starts in the cells of your urothelium. Multiple treatment methods, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy, are useful in the curing of urinary bladder cancer.

How to Keep Your Urinary Bladder Healthy?

Understanding the anatomy and common medical conditions of the urinary bladder can empower you to take proactive steps to maintain urinary bladder health and seek timely medical attention when necessary.

Here are some simple tips to maintain a healthy bladder:

• Stay Hydrated and drink at least 6–8 glasses of water daily.
• Avoid Holding Urine and empty your bladder as soon as you feel the urge to urinate.
• Practice Good Hygiene by keeping the genital area clean to reduce the risk of infections.
• Limit Bladder Irritants by reducing caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods intake, as they can irritate the bladder lining.

To Sum Up

The urinary bladder is a vital organ with the essential role of storing and releasing urine, ensuring the smooth functioning of the body’s excretory system. Maintaining a healthy bladder through good hydration, regular hygiene, and lifestyle habits is essential. 

Treating bladder-related conditions can sometimes lead to unexpected medical expenses. This is where health insurance becomes a critical safety net. A comprehensive health insurance policy can cover diagnostic tests, treatments, medications, and even surgeries related to bladder health, ensuring you receive timely and quality care without financial stress.

>> Also Read: 5 Warning Signs of Bladder Infection

Disclaimer: Verifying the policy details and coverage with the official policy documents is essential. Also, kindly consult a professional medical expert to verify the details of health concerns.