Ureter Anatomy

• The ureters arise in the abdomen behind the peritoneum, and terminate in the pelvic cavity
• The point at which the renal pelvis narrows to form the ureter is known as the ureteropelvic junction.
• After arising from the ureteropelvic junction, the ureters descend through the abdomen, along the anterior surface of the psoas major.
• At the area of the sacroiliac joints , the ureters cross the pelvic brim, thus entering the pelvic cavity. At this point, they also cross the bifurcation of the common iliac arteries.
• Once within the pelvic cavity, the ureters travel down the lateral pelvic walls. At the level of the ischial spines, they turn anteromedially, moving in a transverse plane towards the bladder.
• Upon reaching the bladder wall, the ureters pierce its lateral aspect in an oblique manner, creating a one way valve that prevents the backflow of urine
• The ureters are constricted at 3 points:

  • Ureteropelvic junction
  • Pelvic inlet
  • Entrance of the bladder