Mictus, also known as a miction, refers to the act of urinating or the process of emptying the urinary bladder. It is a biological phenomenon that occurs in humans and many other animals to eliminate waste products and excess fluids from the body.
During the mictus, the bladder muscles contract, causing the stored urine to be expelled through the urethra. This process is mainly regulated by the autonomic nervous system, more specifically, the parasympathetic nervous system, which stimulates the bladder muscles to contract and the internal urethral sphincter to relax, allowing the urine to flow out.
The need for mictus typically occurs when the bladder becomes distended due to the accumulation of urine. This distension activates sensory receptors in the bladder walls, sending signals to the brain, which then triggers the urge to urinate.
Mictus frequency varies among individuals and is influenced by various factors such as fluid intake, age, health conditions, and medication use. Normal mictus frequency ranges from four to eight times per day, though this may increase with high fluid intake or certain medical conditions.
An abnormal mictus pattern may present as either an increased or decreased frequency of urination, which could be indicative of underlying medical issues such as urinary tract infections, kidney problems, bladder dysfunction, or hormonal imbalances. Monitoring mictus frequency and characteristics is crucial for determining overall urinary health and detecting potential abnormalities.
