Physiology of the lower urinary tract

The function of the bladder is to store urine at low pressure and empty efficiently at a socially acceptable time. This complex process involves integration of activity from the brain, brainstem, spinal cord, detrusor muscle, and external urethral sphincter (kIdS), The unique anatomic, hiomechanical, antI physiological properties, which are critical for the normal function of the lower urinary tract, are highlighted herein. The current understanding of the neural control of the lower urinary tract, including the role of the peripheral and central nervous systems, sacral reflexes, and the development of neural control of bladder function, are explored. The pharmacological basis of urine storage and voiding are reviewed. The knowledge of the anatomy is fundamental to understand the physiology of the bladder; however, the anatomy of the bladder and urethra are discussed in another chapter.