Where is the ureter in a cat? - briefly
The ureters in a cat are located on either side of the bladder and connect the kidneys to it. They serve as conduits for transporting urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
Where is the ureter in a cat? - in detail
The ureters in cats are crucial components of the urinary system, responsible for transporting urine from the kidneys to the bladder. In felines, each ureter is a muscular tube that begins at the renal pelvis of its respective kidney and extends toward the bladder. The left ureter typically runs ventrally and slightly medially along the abdominal cavity, while the right ureter follows a more direct path, often crossing over the base of the aorta as it descends.
As the ureters approach the urinary bladder, they diverge from their initial courses, with the left ureter typically passing ventrally to the sigmoid flexure of the colon and the right ureter often crossing dorsally to the ductus deferens in males. Both ureters then enter the bladder wall at an oblique angle, creating a small submucosal tunnel before opening into the bladder lumen. This design helps prevent urine from backing up into the ureters and ensures efficient urine elimination through the urethra.
Understanding the precise location of the ureters in cats is essential for veterinary professionals, as these structures can be susceptible to obstructions, infections, or other issues that may require surgical intervention or other treatments.