OUR BLADDER: AN OVERVIEW
The bladder is a sac-like organ (balloon-shaped when full), pink to dark pink in color, and part of the urinary system.
It is a hollow and elastic structure located in the lower abdomen, just behind the pubic symphysis (a cartilaginous joint that connects the left and right pubic bones).
In males, the bladder is centrally located, with the rectum behind it and the pubic bone in front.
In females, the bladder sits in front of the vagina and uterus.
An empty bladder is about 5 cm (about 2 inches) long. When filled with urine from the kidneys, it can stretch to about 15 cm (about 6 inches).
The typical adult bladder holds about 1/2–2/3 liters (about 2-3 cups) of urine. In cases of severe urinary retention, the bladder can stretch to hold much more.
The two ureters are narrow tubes that transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder. Inside the bladder, the ureteral orifices (openings where the ureters enter the bladder) and the internal urethral orifice (opening located at the bladder neck) form a triangular area known as the bladder trigone.
Beneath the bladder lies the urethra, which serves as the final pathway for urine to exit the body. Urine flows from the bladder through the internal urethral orifice into the urethra, and then out of the body via the external urethral orifice.
STRUCTURE OF THE BLADDER
The bladder wall is composed of four layers, from outermost to innermost:
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The outer layer is the bladder’s outermost covering. On its upper surface, it is called the serosa, while in other areas, it’s known as the adventitia.
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The muscular layer of the bladder consists of three layers of smooth muscle, arranged from outer to inner: the outer longitudinal layer, the middle circular layer, and the inner longitudinal layer. These three layers together form the detrusor muscle, which contracts the bladder to expel urine during urination.
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The submucosal layer is a loose tissue layer that allows the muscle and mucosa to slide smoothly during bladder expansion and contraction.
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The mucosal layer covers the entire inner surface of the bladder and is in direct contact with urine. It includes the urothelium, specialized for stretching, and the lamina propria beneath it — a layer that contains blood vessels, nerves, and immune cells to support the epithelium.
FUNCTIONS OF THE BLADDER
The bladder has two main functions: storing urine and expelling it — both regulated by the central and peripheral nervous systems.
As the bladder fills, stretch receptors in its wall send signals to the brain, creating the urge to urinate.
When appropriate, the detrusor muscle contracts, the urethral sphincters relax, and urine is passed.
In healthy individuals, bladder emptying is typically under voluntary control.
COMMON BLADDER CONDITIONS
Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer is a type of cancer that usually starts in the lining of the bladder.
Common signs include blood in the urine, pain during urination, and frequent urges to urinate.
Bladder Stones
Bladder stones are hard mineral deposits that form when urine remains in the bladder for too long. This often happens when the bladder doesn't empty completely, which can be caused by urinary infections, long-term use of a catheter, or frequently holding in urine. Common symptoms include lower abdominal pain, difficulty urinating, frequent or urgent urges to urinate, blood in the urine, and a sensation like you haven’t fully emptied your bladder.
Cystitis
Cystitis (bladder inflammation) is usually caused by a urinary tract infection. Symptoms may include a burning sensation when urinating, lower abdominal pain, frequent or urgent urges to urinate, and blood in urine.
Overactive Bladder (OAB)
Overactive bladder is not caused by an infection or any other disease. Instead, it occurs when the bladder muscles contract involuntarily, even when the bladder isn’t full. This may result from misfiring nerve signals, weakened bladder control, or, in many cases, an unknown cause. Main symptoms include sudden urges to urinate, frequent urination during the day, waking up at night to urinate, and occasional leakage (incontinence).
THE BLADDER IN TRADITIONAL EASTERN MEDICINE
In Traditional Eastern Medicine, the bladder corresponds to the Leg Major Yang Bladder Meridian, one of the Twelve Principal Meridians. It is the longest meridian in the body.
According to Yin-Yang theory, the Leg Minor Yin Kidney Meridian and the Leg Major Yang Bladder Meridian form a pair, both running down the legs and feet.
The legs and feet may be referred to as a “second bladder” because they contain numerous acupoints and meridians, including the Bladder Meridian, that are closely connected to internal organs. These pathways play an important role in regulating water metabolism and supporting the body’s excretory functions.
Therefore, to support the health of the Kidney-Bladder pair and the body as a whole, we must pay attention to keeping our legs and feet healthy.
CARING FOR BLADDER HEALTH
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Keep the genital area clean, men as well as women. Good hygiene helps prevent bacteria from entering the urethra and spreading to the bladder or kidneys.
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Don’t hold in urine. Frequently delaying urination can weaken bladder muscle and may negatively affect kidney function.
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Say no to smoking and alcohol, as these substances increase the risk of cancer and other diseases affecting the bladder and urinary system.
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Maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight puts pressure on the bladder, kidneys, and the entire body.
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Drink enough water each day—about 2 to 2.5 liters (8 to 10 cups), depending on your body and the weather. Proper hydration helps flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.
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Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Limit foods that may irritate the bladder, such as spicy or acidic dishes.
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Exercise regularly and practice chi kung (qigong) appropriately, consistently, and adequately. Exercises that focus on the legs and feet are especially helpful for supporting bladder and kidney health.
If you experience any unusual urinary tract symptoms, promptly see a doctor or a qualified healthcare professional for an examination, diagnosis, and proper treatment, with hopes for a speedy recovery.
- Ly Binh Son, USA
http://www.lybinhsonofficial.com/2025/08/taking-care-of-our-urinary-bladder.html
