What is the function of the urinary bladder?

What is the function of the urinary bladder?

• A. Expandable sac that acts as a reservoir for urine.
• B. Filters blood.
• C. Stores nutrients.
• D. Produces urine.

Answer: (A)

Urinary bladder functions as an expandable reservoir for urine. It receives urine from the kidneys via the ureters, stretches as it fills, and signals when it’s time to void. During urination, the detrusor muscle contracts to expel urine through the urethra, with sphincters controlling the release. This storage role is distinct from the kidneys, which filter blood and form urine, and from nutrient storage or production functions found elsewhere. The bladder’s ability to expand and its stretch receptors allow you to hold urine until an appropriate time to urinate.

Urinary bladder functions as an expandable reservoir for urine. It receives urine from the kidneys via the ureters, stretches as it fills, and signals when it’s time to void. During urination, the detrusor muscle contracts to expel urine through the urethra, with sphincters controlling the release. This storage role is distinct from the kidneys, which filter blood and form urine, and from nutrient storage or production functions found elsewhere. The bladder’s ability to expand and its stretch receptors allow you to hold urine until an appropriate time to urinate.