QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
The ovarian arteries arise as paired structures from the abdominal aorta usually at the levels of L2.
10014337
e
Left ovarian artery
QuestionChoice
The bifurcation of the common iliac artery is seen immediately behind the annotated left ureter.
10014334
b
Right common iliac artery
QuestionChoice
The IMA arises from the aorta (whereas the annotated structure does not).
10014335
c
Inferior mesenteric artery
QuestionChoice
The left renal vein is posterior to the splenic vein and body of the pancreas. It passes anterior to the aorta immediately below the origin of the superior mesenteric artery before draining into the IVC.
10014336
d
Left renal vein
QuestionChoice
The ureters arise at the renal pelvis. They descend through the abdomen as a retroperitoneal structure. At the level of the sacroiliac joints, the ureters cross the pelvic brim entering the pelvic cavity, crossing above the bifurcation of the common iliac arteries.
10014333
a
Left ureter
Concept
Chapter
## Summary

The ureters are smooth muscle tubes lined by urothelium which arise from the **renal pelvis** and travel through the abdominal and pelvic cavity before ending in two **external ureteric orifices** in the bladder. They transport urine from the kidneys to the urinary bladder.

## Structure

The ureters are lined by **transitional epithelium**, with an external lining of **longitudinal and circular muscle layers**.

## Neurovascular supply

The **abdominal ureter** is supplied by the renal, testicular/ovarian and ureteric arteries from the abdominal aorta. The **pelvic ureter** is supplied by the superior and inferior vesical arteries. The **innervation** of the ureters is derived from the renal plexus and ganglia, ureteric branches from intermesenteric plexus, pelvic splanchnic nerves and the inferior hypogastric plexuses.

## Clinical points

There are three **constrictions** of the ureter that are important to know as they have clinical relevance.

1. *Ureteropelvic junction* - where the ureter meets the pelvis of the kidneys
2. *Pelvic brim* - the edge of the pelvic inlet
3. *Where the ureter enters the bladder*

These are clinically relevant as stones are more likely to become stuck here.
3024
5007
Ureters
Topic
237
Pelvic Anatomy
15413
Picture
1998
28 - Ureter (left).png
images/v6iqrgyj1689760689937.jpg
images/v6iqrgyj1689760689937_256.jpg
images/v6iqrgyj1689760689937_512.jpg
oBgOFgJdP5t4h9hpeIiIiYZ4G3XAkBg=
Topic
237
Pelvic Anatomy
Identify the annotated structure.

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a