Micturition: Definition, Meaning, Topics, Stages, Properties, Problems, Process

What Is Micturition?

Micturition, also known as urination, is a process whereby the urinary bladder empties urine through the urethra to the outside. This involves the coordinated contraction of the detrusor muscle in the bladder and relaxation of the urethral sphincters, which are under the control of the autonomic and somatic nervous systems. Such a process is necessary for ridding the body of waste products and excess fluid by means of maintaining homeostasis.

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This Story also Contains

1. What Is Micturition?
2. Anatomy Of Urinary System
3. Diagram: Structure of Urinary System
4. Physiology Of Micturition
5. Mechanism Of Micturition
6. Stages Of Micturition
7. Disorders Related To Micturition
8. Diagnostic Tools And Tests
9. Treatment and Management
10. Recommended video on Micturition

Anatomy Of Urinary System

Man's excretory system includes :

Kidneys: Filter blood and produce urine.

Ureters: Carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.

Urinary Bladder: Stores the urine till it is excreted.

Urethra: Excretes urine from the bladder out of the body.

Diagram: Structure of Urinary System

Physiology Of Micturition

The physiology of urine formation is discussed below:

Urine Formation

Filtration: The blood gets filtered in the kidneys to form urine.

Reabsorption: The urine formation involves the reabsorption of useful substances back into the blood.

Secretion: The waste products are secreted into the urine.

Diagram: Nephron And Urine Formation Process

Storage Of Urine

The urinary bladder is a balloon-shaped muscular organ. The organ can hold, several times, up to 16 ounces of urine for 2 to 5 hours. Its opening is closed by circular sphincter muscles preventing leakage.

Mechanism Of Micturition

This is achieved via the perfectly coordinated activity of the nervous system and urinary organs. The micturition reflex, through stretch receptors in the bladder, signals the brain to begin the voiding process.

Diagram: Micturition Reflex

Stages Of Micturition

The stages of micturition are discussed below:

Storage Phase

The urine is stored within the bladder, while the sphincter muscles contract not to release the urine.

Voiding Phase

The urge to urinate is stimulated when the nerves detect that the bladder is full. The brain sends a signal to contract the bladder, and then the urine flows through the urethra.

Disorders Related To Micturition

The common disorders related to micturition are:

Urinary Incontinence

Types and Causes: Stress incontinence, urge incontinence, and overflow incontinence

Treatments Available: Behavioral therapies, medications, surgery

Urinary Retention

Causes and Symptoms: Blockages, nerve problems and weak bladder muscles

Treatments Available: Catheterization, medications, surgery

Overactive Bladder

Symptoms and Management: Increased frequency, urgency, drugs, and behavioural therapy.

Diagnostic Tools And Tests

Urinalysis: Analysis of the urine composition.

Urodynamic Studies: The study of the process of functioning with storing and passing out urine through the bladder and the urethra.

Imaging Techniques: Some are imaging studies like ultrasound, MRI, and CT that represent the existence of the structure of urinary tract passages.

Treatment and Management

Bladder Training:

Techniques of increasing the capacity of the bladder.

Pelvic Floor Exercises:

Strengthen muscles governing urination.

Pharmaceuticals

Drugs are commonly prescribed with their mechanisms.

Surgical Interventions

Their indication, procedures, success rates, and risks.

Conclusion

Micturition is comprehensive and very important in human waste management. The ability to define and understand the mechanisms behind this function and pathologies helps not just in staging an early identification and treatment but also in leading a life free from diseases.

Recommended video on Micturition