The Physiology of the Lower Urinary Tract

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-ix

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2. Neuromorphology

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 1-2

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   2. Structure and Innervation in the Human

      • John Dixon, John Gosling

      Pages 3-22

   3. Comparative Neuromorphology in Animals

      • Ahmad Elbadawi

      Pages 23-51

   4. Neural Connections Between the Lower Urinary Tract and the Spinal Cord

      • John F. B. Morrison

      Pages 53-85

3. Sensation and Motor Control

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 87-88

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   2. Sensations Arising from the Lower Urinary Tract

      • John F. B. Morrison

      Pages 89-131

   3. The Functions of Efferent Nerves to the Lower Urinary Tract

      • John F. B. Morrison

      Pages 133-159

   4. Physiology of Bladder Smooth Muscle

      • Alison Brading

      Pages 161-191

   5. Reflex Control of the Lower Urinary Tract

      • John F. B. Morrison

      Pages 193-235

   6. Bladder Control: Role of Higher Levels of the Central Nervous System

      • John F. B. Morrison

      Pages 237-274

4. Clinical Physiology

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 275-276

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   2. Urodynamics

      • Michael Torrens

      Pages 277-307

   3. Clinical Neurophysiology

      • Clare J. Fowler, Chris Fowler

      Pages 309-332

   4. Human Physiology

      • Michael Torrens

      Pages 333-350

5. Back Matter

   Pages 351-355

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In this book we attempt a synthesis of knowledge from two investigative extremes. On the one hand, neurophysiology and neuropharmacology are progressing via the single neuron to a subcellular level; on the other, clinicians are studying the function ofthe human urinary system in vivo as a whole. A special effort must be made over the next decade to bridge this gap. We hope that the information summarized here will catalyse the process. In 1968, de Groat and Ryall published a group of papers in the Journal of Physiology in which modern quantitative electrophysiological techniques were applied to the study ofthe reflexes that regulate bladder Junction. These papers represent alandmark in the history of bladder neurophysiology, forming a dividing li ne between old and new. The earlier techniques of lesioning and stimulation of nervous structures yielded mainly qualitative information which was open to criticism because of lack of precise control over what was actually being destroyed or stimulated. Much of this earlier work was reviewed in an authoritative volume by Bors and Comarr in 1971, entitled Neurolqgical Urology. The 16 years have seen great advances in our understanding ofthe control oflower subsequent urinary tract function.

• central nervous system
• morphology
• neurophysiology
• physiology
• smooth muscle

• Department of Neurosurgery, Frenchay Hospital, Bristol, UK

  Michael Torrens

• The Department of Physiology, The Worksley Medical and Dental Building, The University, Leeds, UK

  John F. B. Morrison

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