Final answer:
The ureter is the tubular structure that connects each kidney to the urinary bladder, allowing urine to flow from the kidneys to the bladder for storage before elimination.
Step-by-step explanation:
The tubular structure that connects a kidney to the urinary bladder is called the ureter. Each kidney is connected to the urinary bladder by its respective ureter, amounting to a pair of these structures within the body. In an adult individual, ureters are typically between 25 and 30 cm long and about 3 to 4 mm in diameter.
Urine formation begins in the nephrons of the renal cortex; it then flows through the renal pyramid to the renal pelvis. The renal pelvis, which is the funnel-shaped region at the hilum of the kidney, collects the urine. From there, the urine travels through the ureters, being propelled by peristaltic waves, until it reaches the urinary bladder.
The urinary bladder is designed to store urine before it is eliminated from the body. Urine enters the bladder through the ureters and leaves through the urethra when urination occurs. An important aspect of ureter function includes a one-way valve mechanism at the point where they enter the bladder, which prevents the backflow of urine, reducing the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs).