Innervation of the Urinary Bladder and Mechanisms of Micturition

Introduction

The urinary bladder plays a vital role in storing and expelling urine, requiring precise neural control.

Neural Control of the Urinary Bladder

Autonomic Nervous System

• Parasympathetic Nervous System: Facilitates bladder contraction via the pelvic nerve.
• Sympathetic Nervous System: Supports bladder relaxation via the hypogastric nerve.

Somatic Nervous System

The pudendal nerve provides somatic control, allowing voluntary contraction of the external urethral sphincter.

Mechanism of Micturition

Micturition involves sensory afferents and motor efferents coordinating bladder contraction and sphincter relaxation.

Conclusion

The pudendal nerve plays a crucial role in urinary continence and controlled bladder emptying.