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Neurophysiological Control of Bladder Function

  • Chapter
Female Urology

Part of the book series: Current Clinical Urology ((CCU))

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Abstract

Normal bladder function is characterized by storage of adequate volumes of urine at low pressures without leakage and without unwanted bladder sensations (urgency) interspersed with short time periods of efficient unimpeded expulsion of urine. Tightly regulated neural control of the bladder and outlet (urethral complex, i.e., internal and external urethral sphincters) is required for the proper integration of urinary storage and expulsion. The bladder and internal urethral sphincter are comprised of smooth muscle fibers, whereas the external urethral sphincter is composed of skeletal striated muscle fibers. Although we have learned much of bladder neurophysiology from studying animal models, the actual pathological defects in bladder dysfunction frequently encountered clinically, such as urinary incontinence (both stress and urge), nonneurogenic detrusor overactivity, hypersensitive bladder syndromes (e.g., overactive bladder [OAB] and interstitial cystitis [IC]), and nonobstructive urinary retention, remain elusive. Animal models have helped test etiological theories and define treatment modalities for disorders of micturition and urinary continence. This review focuses on data obtained from experiments performed with human tissues if available.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD

    Toby C. Chai MD, FACS

Authors
  1. Toby C. Chai MD, FACS
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  2. Todd J. Lehrfeld MD
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Section of Female Urology and Voiding Dysfunction The Glickman Urological Institute, The Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio

    Howard B. Goldman MD  & Sandip P. Vasavada MD  & 

  2. Department of Urology and Reproductive Biology, CASE School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio

    Howard B. Goldman MD

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Chai, T.C., Lehrfeld, T.J. (2007). Neurophysiological Control of Bladder Function. In: Goldman, H.B., Vasavada, S.P. (eds) Female Urology. Current Clinical Urology. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-368-4_2

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