Human Anatomy Part 1 - K. A. Dyubenko, A. K. Kolomiytsev, Yu. B. Chaykovsky 2002

Special Part
Urinary System, systema urinarium - General Overview
Urinary Organs - Ureter - Structure of the Ureter

The wall of the Ureter consists of three layers (Fig. 311 B):

- inner – the mucous membrane, tunica mucosa,

- middle – the muscular coat, tunica muscularis,

- outer – the adventitial coat, tunica adventitia.

The mucous membrane, tunica mucosa, is formed by a stratified transitional epithelium and the lamina propria of the muscular coat, which contains elastic fibers. Along the entire length of the ureter, the mucosa forms longitudinal folds.

The muscular coat, tunica muscularis, in the upper part of the ureter consists of two layers: longitudinal and circular, while in the lower part it comprises three layers: inner and outer longitudinal, and middle circular. In the abdominal segment of the ureter, the course of Muscle bundles forms spirals (helices), whereas in the pelvic segment, the fibers of the inner layer take on a more twisted configuration, while those in the outer layer assume a horizontal position. Thus, the muscular coat of the ureter consists of muscular plexuses of varying thickness oriented in oblique, longitudinal, and transverse directions.

The adventitial coat, tunica adventitia, covers the outer surface of the ureter. It is composed of bundles of Collagen fibers, fibrocytes, nerve bundles, and muscle Cells.

The function of the ureter is closely linked to the operation of the sphincter apparatus of the calyces, renal pelvis, and Urinary Bladder. The coordinated activity of these Components of the Urinary System ensures normal urodynamics.

The passage of urine through the ureter is driven by peristaltic contractions, along with longitudinal and circular narrowing of the ureteral lumen. According to H. F. Kolesnykov (1977), the frequency of ureteral contractions is 3–5 per minute, with a wave duration of 2–5 seconds and an interval between waves ranging from 9 to 27 seconds.



Last update: 08/08/2026

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