Human Anatomy and Physiology : Help with Bladder Physiology

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Human Anatomy and Physiology

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Example Questions

Example Question #22 : Excretory Physiology

Which structure allows for the conscious control of holding urine?

Possible Answers:

External urethral sphincter

Rectus abdominis

Detrusor muscle

Internal urethral sphincter

Correct answer:

External urethral sphincter

Explanation:

When holding urine, there are two primary sphincters that help control the release of urine. The internal urethral sphincter is composed of smooth muscle, and is therefore not consciously controlled. The external urethral sphincter is composed of skeletal muscle, which means that it can be consciously controlled.

The detrusor muscle is the smooth muscle found in the walls of the bladder. When contracted, this muscle leads to urination. The rectus abdominis is a region of the abdominal wall. When contracted, this muscle can indirectly assist in urination by reducing the volume of the abdominal cavity and pressuring the bladder.

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