The urinary bladder is related to various surrounding organs, and these relations vary depending on gender. In both males and females, the urinary bladder is closely located to the following structures:

Anteriorly - pubic symphysis (Read more!) separated by the retropubic space that is filled with retropubic fat;
Superiorly - peritoneum;
Laterally - venous plexuses, obturator internus (Read more!) and levator ani muscles;
Inferiorly - pelvic floor and urethra (Read more!).

Anatomical relations of male bladder

In males, the seminal vesicles (Read more!), ductus deferentes (Read more!), rectovesical pouch, and rectum (Read more!) lie posterior to the urinary bladder. Besides the peritoneum, the coils of the ileum (Read more!) and a small part of the sigmoid colon (Read more!) are also positioned superior to the bladder. In males, the prostate (Read more!) lies inferior to the bladder (it surrounds the neck of the bladder, and a part of the urethra goes through it).

Anatomical relations of female bladder

In females, posterior to the urinary bladder lie the uterus (Read more!) and cervix (Read more!), vesicouterine pouch, and the upper aspect of the anterior wall of the vagina. In addition to the peritoneum, the anterior aspect of the uterus is also positioned superior to the female bladder.

Unlock with Premium

Anatomical relations of urinary bladder