urétéral

Uretéral refers to anything relating to the ureter. The ureters are two narrow tubes, each about 25 to 30 centimeters long and about 0.5 centimeters in diameter, that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. These tubes are part of the urinary system, a crucial set of organs responsible for filtering waste products from the blood and eliminating them from the body.

Each ureter begins at the renal pelvis, the funnel-shaped structure that collects urine from the kidney. From there, the ureter descends through the abdomen and pelvis, passing behind the peritoneum. It enters the bladder wall obliquely, a feature that helps prevent the backflow of urine from the bladder into the ureters. The walls of the ureters are muscular and lined with transitional epithelium, a type of tissue that can stretch.

Uretéral refers to any condition, anatomical feature, or medical procedure associated with these tubes. For example, uretéral stones, also known as kidney stones, are mineral deposits that can form in the kidneys and travel down the ureters, causing significant pain and obstruction. Uretéral stents are thin tubes inserted into the ureter to keep it open and allow urine to drain from the kidney to the bladder, often after surgery or to relieve an obstruction. Imaging techniques like ureterography are used to visualize the ureters and diagnose potential problems. The health and function of the ureters are vital for maintaining proper kidney function and overall urinary system health.