uretera

Uretera is a term found in some languages and medical texts referring to the ureter, the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the urinary bladder. In most English-language medical literature, the organ is called the ureter.

In humans, two ureters extend from each kidney to the bladder. Individual ureters measure about 25 to 30 centimeters in length and travel retroperitoneally along the psoas major muscle. They cross the bifurcation of the common iliac arteries near the pelvic brim and enter the bladder at the posterolateral wall through the ureteric orifices.

The ureter transports urine via peristaltic waves initiated by the smooth muscle cells in the muscularis layer. The peristalsis moves urine from the renal pelvis to the bladder, with a transit time of several minutes to tens of minutes.

Common issues include ureteral stones (urolithiasis) causing flank or groin pain; obstruction can cause hydronephrosis and kidney damage if untreated. Ureteral injury can occur during abdominal or pelvic surgery. Ureteral stents are used to relieve obstruction or facilitate healing.

The term uretera is not standard in English; its use generally appears in non-English texts or as a translation variant. When writing in English, ureter is preferred.