genitourinary Flashcards
1
Q
what structures pass the ureters anteriorly in a male and female respectively?
A
male- ductus deferens
female- uterine artery
2
Q
how much urine can the bladder hold?
A
800-1000mls
3
Q
what is the smooth muscle of the bladder wall?
A
detrusor muscle
4
Q
compare the lengths of female vs male urethra?
A
female- 4 cm
male 5 cm
5
Q
what are the 3 segments of a male urethra?
A
prostatic
membranous
spongy
6
Q
what controls the external urethral sphincter in males and females?
A
Pudendal nerve- somatic nerve fibres S2-S4
7
Q
what controls the INTERNAL sphincter of the male urethra?
A
sympathetic fibres from L1 to L2
8
Q
explain the micturition reflex
A
- Stimulation of stretch receptors in the detrusor muscle as bladder fills
- PNS efferents induce contraction of detrusor muscles (involuntary)
- Somatic efferents S2-S4 from pudendal nerve cause relaxation of the external urethral sphincter (voluntary voiding)
- Detrusor muscle relaxes under symphathetic control after voiding.
