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Know what the labels mean.

A simple guide to the bladder, ureters, urethra and the pelvic-floor region.

Two similar names, different jobs

Your kidneys produce urine. The ureters carry it from the kidneys to the bladder, where it is stored. The urethra is the passage that carries urine out of the body. Ureter and urethra are different structures, despite their similar names.

The source illustrations on this website show a simplified cutaway of the bladder and the pelvic-floor region below it. They are not a complete map of every muscle, organ or nerve.

Where the pelvic floor fits

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles at the base of the pelvis. These muscles support pelvic organs and work with other structures involved in bladder and bowel control.

The bladder wall and pelvic-floor muscles are not the same structure. A diagram can help with orientation, but it cannot show whether you are lifting, bearing down or relaxing correctly during a session.

An example, not an assumption

The original NIDDK images use female and male bladder examples. You can choose which example to view; Orrum does not infer your anatomy from that choice.

Anatomy, medical history and surgery can vary. These source examples do not represent every person. If a diagram or movement cue does not make sense for your body, ask a qualified pelvic-health professional rather than trying to force the pictured movement.

Read further
NIDDK: the urinary tract and how it works

This is general education. For pain, worsening symptoms, or advice about your own recovery, speak with a qualified health professional.

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