Basic bladder neurophysiology.
Maintenance of normal lower urinary tract function is a complex process that requires coordination between the central nervous system and the autonomic and somatic components of the peripheral nervous system. This article provides an overview of the basic principles that are recognized to regulate normal urine storage and micturition, including bladder biomechanics, relevant neuroanatomy, neural control of lower urinary tract function, and the pharmacologic processes that translate the neural signals into functional results. Finally, the emerging role of the urothelium as a sensory structure is discussed.
Division of Neurourology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Urology, University of Michigan Medical Center, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Taubman Center 3875, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5330, USA. qclemens@umich.edu
J Quentin
JQ
Clemens
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D001743:Urinary Bladder / Q000294:innervation* / Q000502:physiology*