What is the tube from the kidney to the bladder called?

Appeared in: P.CHO-2019

Explanation

The ureters are the muscular tubes that connect the kidneys to the urinary bladder.
They are approximately 25–30 cm long in adults.
Urine is propelled through the ureters by wave-like muscular contractions called peristalsis, not by gravity alone.
Each kidney has one ureter that drains urine into the bladder.

Option A: The uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped organ of the female reproductive system where a fetus develops. It has no function in the urinary system.
Option B: The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body for elimination. The question asks for the tube from the kidney to the bladder.
Option D: The umbilical tube (cord) is a structure present only during pregnancy, connecting the developing fetus to the placenta for nutrient and waste exchange. It is not part of the urinary system.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Anatomy of the Urinary System as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the path of urine is crucial for diagnosing and managing conditions like urinary tract infections (UTIs) and kidney stones (urolithiasis).
A common clinical problem is the lodging of kidney stones in one of the three natural narrowings of the ureter, causing severe pain (renal colic) and potential obstruction.
Nursing care for a patient with a suspected ureteric stone includes pain management, encouraging fluid intake to help pass the stone, and straining all urine to collect the stone for analysis.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question testing knowledge of basic human anatomy.
First, identify the key structures mentioned in the question: 'kidney' and 'bladder'.
Recall the components of the urinary system and their functions.
The question asks for the tube from the kidney to the bladder. This describes the function of the ureter.
Differentiate this from the urethra, which is the tube from the bladder to the exterior.
Eliminate options that are not part of the urinary system, such as the uterus (reproductive) and umbilical tube (fetal).

Concept Tested & Keywords

QEAXyxgEfK5bhWLb7n8QYz

E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 2 Part 1 p. 122-124

E6 Anatomy BDChaurasia V2 10e Part 2 p. 104-106

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 5 p. 234-236

Practise the full P.CHO-2019

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.