Ureteral Smooth Muscle Cells (USMC)

Ureteral smooth muscle cells are arranged in longitudinal, circular, and spiral bundles to facilitate peristaltic movement of urine toward the bladder. Ureteral peristalsis is the process by which urine is propelled from the kidney to the bladder, and is generated secondary to contraction of the smooth muscles in the wall of the ureter.the propagation of peristaltic contractions is largely controlled by the smooth muscle cells (SMCs) of the ureteral wall. The contractile ability of ureteral smooth muscle cells is critical for allowing movement of urine from the kidney to the bladder. Peristalsis is important in phenomena as varied as stone passage and congenital disorders such as megaureter and ureteropelvic junction obstruction.