Virtsankulku

Virtsankulku refers to the physiological process by which urine is transported from the kidneys to the outside of the body. This complex system involves several key organs and structures working in coordination. The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste products from the blood and producing urine. From the kidneys, urine travels down two tubes called ureters. These ureters are muscular tubes that use peristalsis, wave-like muscle contractions, to propel urine downwards towards the bladder.

The bladder is a muscular, hollow organ that stores urine. Its walls can stretch significantly to accommodate varying amounts of fluid. When the bladder is sufficiently full, nerve signals are sent to the brain, creating the urge to urinate. Urination, or micturition, is the voluntary act of emptying the bladder. This process is controlled by sphincter muscles at the base of the bladder and urethra. The internal urethral sphincter is involuntary, while the external urethral sphincter is voluntary, allowing conscious control over when to urinate.

The urethra is a tube that connects the bladder to the outside of the body. In females, the urethra is shorter and opens above the vaginal opening. In males, the urethra is longer and passes through the penis, serving a dual role in both urination and reproduction. Any disruption in this pathway, from kidney stones to nerve damage affecting bladder control, can impair virtsankulku and lead to various medical conditions.