ORIFICE OF URETER Meaning and
Definition
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The orifice of ureter refers to the opening where the ureter, a slender tube connecting the kidney to the urinary bladder, enters the urinary bladder. It is also known as the ureteral orifice. This orifice serves as a gateway for the passage of urine from the kidney to the bladder.
Anatomically, there are two ureteral orifices, one for each ureter. They are located on the posterior wall of the urinary bladder, slightly obliquely in relation to its longitudinal axis. These orifices are important for the functioning of the urinary system, as they allow the one-way flow of urine from the kidneys into the bladder.
The orifice of the ureter is surrounded by a circular muscle known as the ureterovesical junction. This junction acts as a valve, preventing urine from flowing back into the ureter and into the kidney. Its sphincter-like action prevents the occurrence of vesicoureteral reflux, a condition in which urine flows from the bladder back into the ureter, potentially leading to urinary tract infections or kidney damage.
In certain medical conditions or diseases, such as urinary tract infections, kidney stones, or congenital abnormalities, the orifice of the ureter can become blocked or narrowed, causing urinary obstruction. These conditions may require medical intervention or surgical procedures to restore the normal functionality of the ureteral orifices and ensure proper urine flow.
