The ureters are bilateral thin, muscular tubes that act as the passageways for urine.
Ureter Function
The ureters are vital components of the urinary system. Their primary function is to:
- Transport urine: They move urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
- Prevent backflow: They have muscular walls that help prevent urine from flowing back into the kidneys.
Ureter Characteristics
Here are some key characteristics of the ureters:
Characteristic | Description |
---|---|
Structure | Thin, tubular, muscular structures |
Diameter | Typically 3 to 4 mm in diameter |
Location | They connect the renal pelvis of the kidneys to the urinary bladder |
Bilateral | There are two ureters, one for each kidney |
As detailed in the reference, the ureters are "bilateral thin tubular structures with a 3 to 4 mm diameter that connect the kidneys to the urinary bladder." These muscular tubes actively transport urine from the renal pelvis to the bladder. This process is crucial for removing waste products from the body.