Urinestroom

Urinestroom is a term used in physiology to describe the flow of urine during micturition. In common usage it can refer to the rate at which urine is expelled through the urethra, measured as urine flow rate. The act of urination involves detrusor muscle contraction and relaxation of the internal and external urethral sphincters, coordinated by the autonomic nervous system and somatic pathways. When the bladder fills, afferent signals travel to the spinal cord (S2–S4) and higher centers, triggering contraction and voluntary voiding when culturally appropriate.

Flow is typically assessed with uroflowmetry, which plots urine flow rate (mL/s) against time to yield parameters such as maximum flow rate (Qmax), average flow rate, voided volume, and voiding time. In healthy adults, Qmax commonly ranges from about 15 to 25 mL/s, with variations by sex, age, and body size. Values below roughly 10 mL/s may indicate bladder outlet obstruction or weak detrusor contraction; unusually high flows may occur with short voiding times.

Clinical significance: Alterations in urinestroom can indicate urological or neurological conditions, including urinary retention, incontinence, or neurogenic bladder. Management may involve behavioral techniques, medications, catheterization, or surgical interventions.

Etymology: the term derives from the Dutch words urine and stroom (stream).