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Bladder Facts & Worksheets

The bladder is a component of the urinary system. The organ in question is a hollow, balloon-shaped structure that accumulates and expels urine from the body.

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The bladder is a component of the urinary system. The organ in question is a hollow, balloon-shaped structure that accumulates and expels urine from the body. The bladder is connected to the pelvic bones and adjacent organs and has a capacity of around two cups of fluid.

See the fact file below for more information about the Bladder, or you can download our 26-page Bladder worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

WHAT DOES THE BLADDER DO?

  • The bladder is a component of the urinary tract, which consists of four distinct sections. The primary role of the urinary system is to eliminate surplus fluids and waste materials from the body.
  • The urinary tract consists of four components:
    • Kidneys: The renal organs extract surplus fluids and waste materials from the bloodstream.
    • Ureters: The kidneys are connected to the bladder by two tiny tubes.
    • Bladder: The heart, a robust and spherical organ, has a capacity of approximately 2 cups of fluid before it requires evacuation.
    • Urethra: This narrow conduit links the bladder to the external environment and facilitates the expulsion of urine from the body.
  • As the bladder accumulates urine from the kidneys, an individual experiences a growing sensation of needing to urinate. An individual typically can regulate their urinary bladder.
  • During urination, the individual’s bladder muscles contract, causing the pee to be expelled into the urethra. Simultaneously, the muscles surrounding the urethra undergo relaxation, facilitating the passage of urine from the bladder and out of the body.
  • An individual’s bladder has the potential to be infected, irritated, or harmed. These symptoms can include discomfort, incontinence, pain, and other related issues.

ANATOMY

  • The bladder in humans is a hollow, muscular organ located at the lower part of the pelvis. The bladder in gross anatomy can be anatomically split into four main parts: a large fundus (base), a body, an apex, and a neck. 
  • The apex, also known as the vertex, is oriented towards the higher section of the pubic symphysis and extends upwards along the posterior abdominal wall to the umbilicus through the median umbilical ligament. It conveys the peritoneum from the apex to the abdominal wall to create the middle umbilical fold.
  • The neck of the bladder refers to the region located at the bottom of the trigone, which encloses the internal urethral aperture, through which urine passes into the urethra. 
  • In males, the urine bladder is next to the prostate gland.
  • The bladder possesses three openings. The two ureters enter the bladder through the ureteric orifices, while the urethra enters through the trigone of the bladder.
  • The ureteric apertures are equipped with mucosal flaps that function as valves to prevent the retrograde passage of urine into the ureters, a condition called vesicoureteral reflux. The interureteric crest is an elevated tissue region between the two ureteric apertures.
  • This defines the top limit of the trigone. The trigone is a region composed of smooth muscle that constitutes the lower surface of the bladder, positioned superior to the urethra. 
  • The smooth tissue in this area facilitates the smooth passage of urine into and out of this section of the bladder, in contrast to the uneven surface created by the rugae.
  • The muscular structure of the bladder is crucial in the process of storing and expelling urine. The bladder wall contains a specialized smooth muscle called the detrusor muscle, which contracts during micturition. 
  • The fibers are arranged in various directions, allowing them to maintain their structural integrity even when stretched. Both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems innervate it.
  • The detrusor muscle fibers frequently undergo hypertrophy, resulting in the appearance of large trabeculae, as a means of adapting to the increasing burden of bladder emptying. This is a frequent occurrence in disorders that impede the flow of urine, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia.
  • Additionally, there are two muscle sphincters situated in the urethra:
    • Internal urethral sphincter: The male reproductive system comprises circular, smooth fibers regulated by the autonomic nervous system. It is believed to prevent the backflow of semen during ejaculation.
    • External urethral sphincter: Females are believed to lack a functioning sphincter, meaning they do not have sphincteric muscle. The anatomical composition of the bladder neck and the proximal urethra determines the structure.

PROBLEMS THAT AFFECT THE BLADDER

  • Various issues can impact an individual’s bladder. When they occur, an individual may encounter symptoms that impact the bladder, the urinary tract, or other body areas. Several prevalent conditions that impact the bladder include: 
    • Urinary tract infection: A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a prevalent cause of bladder pain. A urinary tract infection (UTI) develops when bacteria infiltrate the bladder through the urethra, resulting in an infection. UTI can result in symptoms such as bladder pain, frequent urination, and a burning feeling while urinating. 
    • Incontinence: Some individuals experience partial or complete loss of urinary sphincter control. This condition is referred to as incontinence.
  • Interstitial cystitis: Certain individuals may experience the onset of a persistent medical illness called bladder discomfort syndrome or interstitial cystitis. Bladder pain syndrome exhibits symptoms that resemble those of a UTI, but it does not exhibit the same response to antibiotics as a UTI.
  • Bladder stones: Bladder stones are mineral deposits accumulating and forming solid structures within the urinary bladder. While the deposits may undergo calcification, it is important to note that uric acid is responsible for a minimum of 50% of the generated stones.
  • Bladder cancer is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of cells in the bladder. Bladder cancer frequently results in hematuria, which is detectable by a urine test. 

TIPS FOR BLADDER HEALTH

  • As individuals age, their bladder changes, leading to an elevated susceptibility to bladder problems. An individual can implement measures to mitigate the likelihood of having bladder-related problems. To preserve the health of their bladder, an individual can attempt the following strategies:
  • To maintain optimal bladder function, providing adequate daily consumption of water-based beverages is crucial. Adults and teenagers should consume between 1500 and 2000 milliliters of fluid each day, distributed evenly throughout their waking hours and stopping about an hour before sleep. The recommended daily fluid intake for most school-aged children is approximately 1500 milliliters. Additional measures may be necessary for extremely high temperatures and for individuals engaging in vigorous physical activity.
  • If an individual is appropriately consuming fluids, the bladder should void approximately four to eight times within 24 hours. Urine should have a light or yellowish color. Urine that is yellow or has a darker color may suggest the need to consume more fluids.

Bladder Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about the Bladder across 26 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about the Bladder. The bladder is connected to the pelvic bones and adjacent organs and has a capacity of around two cups of fluid.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

  1. Bladder Facts
  2. Vocabulary
  3. Myth or Fact
  4. My Role
  5. What is it?
  6. Bladder Problem
  7. Caring Tips
  8. Prevention
  9. Trace it!
  10. Checklist
  11. Spread the Word

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary function of the bladder?

The primary function of the bladder is to store urine produced by the kidneys before it is excreted from the body. The bladder can hold about 400 to 600 milliliters of urine. When the bladder is full, signals are sent to the brain, prompting the need to urinate.

How does the bladder control the release of urine?

The bladder controls the release of urine through the coordinated action of the detrusor muscle (which contracts to expel urine) and two sphincters (the internal and external urethral sphincters). The internal sphincter is involuntary and relaxes when the bladder is full, while the external sphincter is under voluntary control, allowing a person to decide when to urinate.

What are common bladder disorders?

Common bladder disorders include urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder stones, interstitial cystitis (a chronic condition causing bladder pressure and pain), overactive bladder (a condition causing a sudden urge to urinate), and bladder cancer. Symptoms vary but often include frequent urination, pain during urination, and blood in the urine.

How can bladder health be maintained?

Bladder health can be maintained by drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, to stay hydrated and flush out the urinary system. Avoiding irritants such as caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods can also help. Practicing good bathroom habits, such as urinating when the need arises and fully emptying the bladder, is important. Regular pelvic floor exercises can strengthen bladder control.

What diagnostic tests are used for bladder conditions?

Diagnostic tests for bladder conditions include urinalysis (to detect infection, blood, or other abnormalities), urine culture (to identify bacteria causing infections), cystoscopy (a procedure using a scope to view the inside of the bladder), urodynamic tests (to assess how well the bladder and urethra store and release urine), and imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI to visualize the bladder and surrounding structures.

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Link will appear as Bladder Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, July 3, 2024

Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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