The main function of the native path bladder revolves around the effective storage and expulsion of urine. Here are some of the critical functions it serves:
Urine Storage: The bladder collects urine produced by the kidneys, which is transported via the ureters. The bladder can store urine for several hours, depending on fluid intake and other factors. The detrusor muscle allows the bladder to expand as it fills, while the sphincters hold the urine in place until the individual is ready to urinate.
Urine Voidance: When the bladder reaches its capacity, the brain sends signals to the bladder to initiate urination. The detrusor muscle contracts, and the internal and external sphincters relax, allowing urine to flow through the urethra and out of the body. This process is known as micturition.
Maintenance of Fluid Balance: The bladder plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance within the body. The kidneys filter blood, producing urine, which is stored in the bladder. The body uses the bladder as a temporary holding reservoir until it is ready to excrete the waste.
Common Disorders of the Native Path Bladder
While the native path bladder is a well-designed and efficient system, it can be susceptible to a variety of disorders, ranging from infections to chronic conditions. Some of the more common conditions associated with the bladder include:
1. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
One of the most common bladder-related conditions is a urinary tract infection (UTI). UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract, typically through the urethra, and multiply in the bladder. This leads to symptoms such as frequent urination, burning sensations during urination, cloudy urine, and pelvic pain.
Infections can affect the bladder directly, causing cystitis (bladder inflammation), or spread to the kidneys, leading to more severe conditions like pyelonephritis.
2. Overactive Bladder (OAB)
Overactive bladder is a condition in which the bladder muscles contract involuntarily, leading to a frequent and urgent need to urinate, often with little warning. People with OAB may experience urinary incontinence, or leakage, due to the inability to control these muscle contractions.
The exact cause of OAB is not always known, but it can be triggered by a variety of factors such as nerve damage, infections, or other underlying medical conditions.
3. Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer is a serious condition that typically begins in the cells of the bladder lining. It can cause symptoms like blood in the urine (hematuria), frequent urination, pain during urination, and pelvic pain. Smoking is a major risk factor for bladder cancer, but other environmental and genetic factors can also contribute to the disease.
4. Interstitial Cystitis (IC)
Interstitial cystitis, also known as painful bladder syndrome, is a chronic condition that causes bladder pressure, bladder pain, and sometimes pelvic pain. IC is difficult to diagnose, as it shares symptoms with other bladder conditions such as UTIs and OAB, but there are no signs of infection. The cause of IC is not well understood, and treatment is typically focused on managing symptoms.
5. Bladder Prolapse (Cystocele)
Bladder prolapse, or cystocele, occurs when the bladder drops into the vaginal canal due to weakened pelvic floor muscles. This condition is more common in women, especially after childbirth or menopause. Symptoms include urinary incontinence, difficulty emptying the bladder, and a sensation of pelvic pressure.
Official Native Bladder website
Facebook Pages >>>