Ureters

    The ureters exit medially from the kidney at the renal hilum posterior to the renal vessels , then course inferomedially along the psoas major muscle and transverse processes of the lumbar vertebrae. They cross the external iliac artery just distal to the bifurcation of the common iliac, then course along the lateral wall of the pelvis to empty into the posterior aspect of the urinary bladder at the bladder trigone.

    Blood is supplied by the ureteral branches of renal and testicular or ovarian arteries, and abdominal aorta. Renal and testicular or ovarian veins supply venous drainage.

Conventional plain film of the abdomen called a KUB (Kidneys, Ureters, Bladder) obtained following adminstration of IV contrast for IV urography shows normal collecting system. Calyces (arrows), renal pelvis (P), ureters (*) and bladder(B).  

3D reconstructed image from CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis known as CT IVP.  This exam is quickly replacing the conventional IV Urogram.  This 3D reconstruction is performed through the right kidney (K) and follows the normal ureter (arrows) all the way to the ureter's insertion into the bladder.




© 2005 by the Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia