Where it is
Retroperitoneal, running down along the psoas muscles into the pelvis and entering the back of the bladder at an angle that prevents reflux.
What it does
Peristaltic waves push urine toward the bladder.
Clinical relevance
- Kidney stones often lodge where the ureter is narrowest, causing renal colic.
- Vesicoureteral reflux in children predisposes to kidney infections.
Nursing focus
- For renal colic, give analgesics as prescribed, encourage fluids and strain the urine.